In this episode we discuss controversy around the April 2019 Devolver Digital release, Weedcraft Inc. The game, which is about building a marijuana empire, presents players with the option to conduct their business legally and ethically or illegally and immorally, but this hasn’t kept developer Vile Monarch out of the crosshairs of online pundits and platform censors.

Topics Discussed

Overview of Weedcraft Inc’s mechanics, tone, and ethical choicesWhy the launch of the game intentionally didn’t happen on 4/20Online reactions to the game, and specific criticism from reviewersWeedcraft Inc getting demonetized on Youtube, deleted on Facebook, and having difficulty advertisingWhat we like and dislike about the game itselfSocial justice standards for violence and drug use in gamesComparison with “Breaking Bad” mobile games

Links

Weedcraft Inc facing advertising hurdles due to subject matter on GamasutraYouTube’s rules don’t justify demonetizing Weedcraft Inc videos on VentureBeatWeedcraft Inc Review on Cultured VulturesWeedcraft Inc on Steam