As Jon Bellamy defends his choice to cancel Runescape Pride, did he have a valid point?

Back in March, Jagex announced the appointment of a new CEO, Jon Bellamy. Mr Bellamy then decided to almost immediately paint a huge target on his back by cancelling the Runescapes Pride event. This led to widespread condemnation about his perceived bowing to the growing far-right culture and boycotts.

On September 3rd, Bellamy spoke about this decision with gamesindustry.biz. The interview was about his role as a whole, but obviously, this came up. He said this decision was to avoid backlash, because Pride was “controversial in a way it didn't used to be." Which brings us to an interesting discussion: does politics have a place in gaming? 

Obviously, this is a very inflammatory subject, and one that people have faced very real consequences for. So, of course, the reaction to Bellamy's move would be strong. But then, it would have been equally as strong if the event had happened. And not just strong, possibly dangerous.

Celebrating an event like this will naturally draw attention and harassment from groups that oppose it. A very sad fact. So if the event does not happen, it is safer for the community. And yes, it does protect the company from right-wing retaliation. Theoretically, if video games were a neutral ground, there should be less harassment. From a pragmatic point of view, it would make sense to remove all events like this.

The world is becoming a scarier place by the day for communities like this one, so it does make sense if you remove the emotion from it and try to be neutral. Of course, not everyone can do that, especially if you have been a victim of the rising right-wing tide. Video games have always been a welcoming home for anyone to lose themselves in these fantastic stories and meet people around the world who are similar. I can understand how the Pride community can feel betrayed by Bellamy's choice.

There is no easy answer. Whatever choice Jon Bellamy made, it would have been the wrong one for some group. Making video games apolitical works in theory, a place where people of any gender, orientation, or creed could exist in harmony. Nowadays, though, with real-time chat in most games, it is an impossibility. Credit to Bellamy for trying, but he's set himself up for a rough tenure.