In the fast-paced world of video game development, it is not uncommon for scandals to arise and shake up the industry. However, some companies manage to weather these storms and continue thriving in the face of adversity. One such company is Robert Video Games, which faced a major scandal in 2018 but has since come out stronger than ever. In this article, we will examine the story of Robert Video Games and what lessons game developers can learn from their survival.
Introduction
In April 2018, Robert Video Games was hit with a major scandal when it was revealed that one of its top developers had been accused of sexual misconduct. The company faced intense media scrutiny and calls for accountability from players and other stakeholders.
The Scandal: A Case Study
First, the company conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations and fired the developer in question. They then released a statement addressing the situation and apologizing for any harm that may have been caused.
The company also made it clear that they take all allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously and are committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
The Impact: What Happened Next
Despite the scandal, Robert Video Games was able to bounce back in a big way. The company released several new games in 2019 that were highly acclaimed by critics and players alike.
In fact, one of their games, “Robert’s Quest,” was named Game of the Year by several major gaming publications.
In addition to the success of their games, Robert Video Games also saw a significant increase in sales and revenue in the months following the scandal. This can be attributed, in part, to the company’s quick and transparent response to the situation.
Lessons for Game Developers
Now that we have looked at the story of Robert Video Games and their survival after a major scandal, let’s examine some key lessons that game developers can take away from this experience.
1. Take Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Seriously
One of the most important lessons that game developers can learn from the Robert Video Games case study is the importance of taking allegations of sexual misconduct seriously.
The company’s quick and decisive action in response to the scandal helped them maintain the trust of their customers and continue growing as a business.
2. Be Transparent and Open
Another key lesson for game developers is the importance of transparency and openness when facing a scandal.
Robert Video Games was able to address the situation head-on and provide regular updates to their customers about the investigation and any action taken. This helped to maintain trust and keep players informed about what was happening.
3. Create a Safe Work Environment
Creating a safe work environment for all employees is crucial for any business, but especially so in the highly competitive world of video game development.
Robert Video Games made it clear that they take all allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously and are committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. This not only helped them weather the scandal, but also set them up for long-term success as a business.
4. Focus on Quality and Innovation
Finally, game developers should always focus on quality and innovation when developing their games.
Robert Video Games released several highly acclaimed games in the years following the scandal, which helped to boost sales and revenue and solidify their position as a top player in the industry. By focusing on delivering high-quality games that innovate and push boundaries, game developers can build a strong brand and loyal customer base.