Summary
- Some fans of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 have resorted to sending violent threats to developers due to a lack of updates and new content.
- Insomniac team members have responded to the online harassment, asking for patience as they work to provide what fans want.
- Toxic fan behavior is a problem in the video game industry, and it can never be justified. However, positive interaction between developers and gamers can lead to a better online environment.
Multiple members of Insomniac's game development team have responded to Marvel's Spider-Man 2 players sending violent threats in demand of updates to the superhero sequel. Part of the Insomniac leaks from 2023 included a look at possible Spider-Man 2 DLC content, and a New Game Plus mode is coming, but some fans have lost their patience waiting for the developers to complete and release updates.
Released in October 2023, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 returns players to New York City where they play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales and battle against iconic villains. Spider-Man 2 received some mixed reactions from players online but received overwhelmingly positive critic review scores, even earning nominations for various game awards. Regardless, some gamers have grown impatient with the wait for fresh updates to the game, with a vocal few resorting to threats toward the developers.
Insomniac team members took to social media to voice their responses to online harassment, namely violent threats demanding new content for Spider-Man 2. Advanced senior community manager Aaron Jason Espinoza tweeted about the "childish" antics of gamers sending "violent threats" to game developers. Insomniac community and marketing director James Stevenson amplified the statements, noting that the development team knows what fans want and is hard at work, in spite of challenges. With the 2023 Insomniac game leaks serving as a massive hurdle to the studio, the developers are asking fans to be patient as they continue to work on giving players what they want.
"Don't do this. We know you want updates and info. We're working to get things to you as fast as we can, given the extraordinary circumstances our team has faced."
- James Stevenson, Director of Community and Marketing, Insomniac
The Video Game Industry Continues to Struggle With Toxic Fan Behavior
Spider-Man 2 developers are not the only members of the video game industry to receive violent threats from players. Spider-Man 2 face model Stephanie Tyler Jones reported issues with stalking from disgruntled gamers, and The Last of Us Part 2 voice actor Laura Bailey has spoken about violent comments from fans regarding her performance as Abby. Recently, the developers of Palworld have received threats, ranging from angry comments to completely "unhinged" statements, and last year Nintendo was forced to cancel multiple live events and gaming competitions in Japan after threats of mass violence. Audiences remain weary of the state of toxicity in the video game industry, though many communities are working to encourage positivity among fandoms and promote healthier ways to share feedback with developers.
While it is understandable that fans would like updates to their favorite games, toxic behavior in gaming communities is never justified and remains an issue that many industry workers and casual players would like to eliminate. When developers and gamers are able to positively interact, better content can be produced and communities can be expanded. While Spider-Man 2 fans may need to wait a bit longer for new content, being patient and showing support to the developers during this period would be ideal.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.
Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.
Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Franchise
- Spider-Man
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
