Publisher Said My Game is TOO VIOLENT - My Official Response

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In this video I discuss a recent discussion I had with a prominent indie publisher regarding my indie game.
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[@LostRelicGames]

Got to stay true to your vision. ➤ Wishlist Blood And Mead: store.steampowered.com/app/1081830/Blood_And_Mead/ ➤ Come chat on discord - discord.gg/yeTuU53

[@NinetyEight418]

Aren't games supposed to be fun? Why do these people are so against a game like yours, its just a game.

[@elijah-jones-inbox]

Ha, best 2 minutes of my day so far!

[@NOFRILLS_GAMING]

OH HELL YA! Wishlisted!

[@eth0eduardo]

We need this on Xbox 😬

[@amrakarmaMisophoniac]

Just \m/ bro. More than a great video.

[@TheOrian34]

"The game's violence should be adjusted" I heard you, I'll crank it up to 11.

[@_GhostMiner]

Malicious compliance or smth be like

[@broganking9830]

Why don't you just make 10 louder? ... nah this one has 11!

[@_GhostMiner]

@@broganking9830?

[@octitawhythisnameistaken]

Micle will be like :O

[@lazartomic5800]

LOL

[@Sasasala386]

Publisher: Dear John, could you step down on the violence? John: -opens wikipedia about "viking bride kidnapping" and reads the first paragraph.

[@ChrisWijtmans]

ah yes, wikipedia, the staple source of mythology on germanic people.

[@mikeexits]

It'd still shut them up regardless because to the NPC crowd it's a holy Oracle.

[@Draekdude]

"Have you considered replacing the Viking with a Happy Puppy?"

[@jasonmcclatchie6877]

And change the title to 'Bones and Leads' to better reflect puppy life?

[@KeyboardKrieger]

Happy tree friends enter the chat.

[@draikonm]

Ah no, that's coming as DLC @@jasonmcclatchie6877

[@phischphood]

​@@KeyboardKrieger dobee do be doobee doobee, la la la-la-la la

[@Cruentus]

And add 16 perpendicular lines with red ink

[@cdarklock]

Speaking as someone with a substantial background in marketing, this is an excellent tactic. Potential corporate sponsor says "compromise your vision for money." Developer says "fuck you and the horse you rode in on." I'd love to hear the results. How have your wishlists done since posting this?

[@agronacilius4584]

Ah the mithical "wider audience " lol

[@nic3634]

Mythical

[@agronacilius4584]

@@nic3634 Šta da jbno. :)

[@matadordeleoes]

@@agronacilius4584 Que diabos :)

[@bam_bino__]

they mean children

[@amalekedomite]

Your game, which was designed to appeal to peopel who enjoy violent games, could... We think.... be adapted to appeal to peopel who hate violence, or even video games in general. If you just remove all animals, music, interactivity, player agency, and print it on paper as a book, and rewrite the plot to focus on a romanace between a reader insert and some sort of hulking broad-chested fabio-type we could REALLY capture the "90 year old pacifist cat lady luddite" audience.

[@DoubleOBond]

I think the dial could be adjusted ever so slightly by using the remaining bones to pick your teeth during idle animation or collectable to place bone alters/flags etc.

[@chancepaladin]

imagining a pt2 where a necromancer comes along reforming everything in his wake

[@jackcarren8781]

Publisher proposed "Blood & Mead" turns to "Cuddle & Read" 😂

[@jaxon_hill]

Thats awesome lol

[@neolynxer]

That's actually a great concept.

[@MSTRCMDR]

: D I would buy them both

[@rorschach1985ify]

That actually sounds like a funny joke mode NGL.

[@myprivatechannel1695]

Are you ok bro? It's 3 months you don't post, we start to get worried. Please, if you are thinking bad things, don't. It's normal that after years working on a project you look at it and think: "It's this even fun?!" (this phrase was said by the developers of FTL, before they released their masterpiece that earned more than 10 Millions $) It's because you have seen and tried it so many times that the fun is gone (for you). But all the people that have never played it.. they will enjoy it a lot, and they will feel the same excitement of you when you started to develop it. Hope you are fine bro

[@denisd9198]

We are here bro, Keep it up!

[@Cryptic0013]

"Upon careful consideration, I have decided MORE BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! MORE SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE"

[@Alpharius_Dominatus]

what does khornite do here ? and are you sure you're not Alpharius?

[@nicktwigger7076]

Man what an amazing response - well played sir and good job for sticking to your guns!

[@flamart9703]

I feel like John doesn't need a publisher, but publishers need his game.

[@Its_just_me_again]

what i found most disturbing about this video is how the protagonist could stand with one foot in mid air over a cliff and not fall - i had to look away

[@MarushiaDark316]

Publisher: "You know what this game really needs is a talking dog." John: "Roger, loud and clear. Inserting rabid Cerberus demon."

[@niklasdahlgren7641]

"...that explodes into gore mist when it tries to speak"

[@GreenInvasion]

Oh God! I F hated Space Buddies

[@Ironpants57]

Publisher: "But what if passive mode where you pet the dog?" John: " Then Cerberus chomps your body in half and you die"

[@kelvariw]

"Could you add a way to pet the dog?" "You can play with its corpse"

[@mrFAhR3Nh3iT]

Take my money…..sold!

[@joshharrison5287]

idk about anyone else but this guy is the reason i browse my subscription tab on youtube to see if there is a new video. cant wait to see next dev log!

[@madmanga64]

John went with Sega’s response back in the 90s when they wanted them to remove the blood from Mortal Kombat 1

[@Jabbathefrukt]

Tiny tiny feedback: Don't know if it's by design, but when heads and gory bits bounce, they make a popping noise that becomes faster and faster the shorter the bounces become. Maybe have the sound volume be dependent on the velocity they were traveling on the impact making the volume slowly fade away when they start to settle.

[@evvveeeeeeee]

Hell hath no fury than someone being told to change their product as if the distributer is the one making said product.

[@OxAA00]

Wow, I think this is the best gameplay commercial I've seen in a while. Kudos.

[@Sam4Progress]

I have never wanted to play a game more from a gameplay example, than I have watching this lol

[@amalekedomite]

"Your game is too violent" "Your brain is too stupid"

[@subzerosaba]

I rewatch your old dev log videos. Hope everything is allright!

[@Nick-rs5if]

Can't believe a game called "Blood and Mead" would be seen as too violent! Oh, the humanity! 😭 In all seriousness, that is a killer response, love it! 😂

[@erikvarga4367]

As far as I have seen... Doom 2016 and Eternal reached quite a wide audiance despite the dialed UP carnage...

[@samamies88]

some might even think the blood and gore might have even helped

[@yanx007]

Some publishers are pussier than others...

[@ChrisWijtmans]

I think the gore is pretty tame in those games tbh.

[@MrJonnyPasta]

instant wishlist. This is awesome and i wish you luck on this journey!

[@ricijs2000]

oh my god this is so violent and gory, and after showing me this bloodbath you think im just gonna go imediatly to my steam page and wishlist this?!?!............. BECAUSE OF COURSE I WILL!!!!!

[@sealsharp]

1995 called, it wants it's "think of the children" back.

[@bloodrival2]

Actually thinking about the children would have created better people today. But sadly we are all a bunch of fuck- ups. It's to late.

[@sealsharp]

@@bloodrival2 We got a long history of "blaming everything except what would have made a difference" and as a child of the 90s, removing blood from videogames is not on my top #5 list of changes that would have made is less fucked up.

[@bloodrival2]

@@sealsharp "not my" since you made it all about your opinion. Your reply is invalid.

[@sealsharp]

@@bloodrival2 no, your reply is invalid! 👹

[@Qewbicle]

I think overprotecting children is at the extremes now, and had been going more extreme the entire time. Now you can't use normal words with their proper meaning to say what you intend to say, because someone might get offended for someone else. Some make alternate meanings out of the scope of usage, for whatever. So while you can be innocent minded, their projection on that person can be negative (judgemental). There are more "parental controls" in apps and devices. Government says they need to enact a keep children something safe act, because parents aren't parenting. When I was a kid. You could get paddled at school and a spanking, neighbors coming out to reinforce punishment. But now days, you can't tell a kid to stop misbehaving, because someone is being overprotective.

[@troller9838]

Virgin Publisher vs the Chad Developer.

[@deluxecore6726]

Hey hey, my company is currently developing a yet to be announced indie title. I thought that I'd say something as one developer to another. Hopefully it can be of some use. JOHN, YOU'RE AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND. BRILLIANT IDEA - I HAVE, AS OF RIGHT NOW, SHARED THIS WITH THE REST OF MY TEAM!

[@MrBones-td6qn]

I am buying your game when it launches not only because it looks like simple fun, but also because you have proven to be a principled man. Well done, king.

[@heliorosa8148]

this sounds like a great publisher for my cat petting simulator

[@vihaanreyansh6244]

The shield move reminds me of that scene in Predator 2 where they try to ambush the predator in the freezer.

[@simp-slayer]

So refreshing in an era where lightsabers in games act like baseball bats made out of rubber.

[@petteriblomqvist8309]

Saw the title and thought the next obvious step would be to add fatalities to boss encounters. Glad to see I wasn't too far off. But, while I don't agree with dialing down at this point, I do understand the sentiment. When I first watched dev videos of the game I thought it'd be fun and tame enough to even play with kids watching. Now I wouldn't let my kids watch, not to mention play the game, but am personally finding the game more hilarious. And I'm the one paying, not the kids, do I doubt any revenue is lost there in the end. Props for sticking to your vision.

[@Gaze73]

God forbid kids see some red 2D pixels, they might grow up to be serial killers.

[@petteriblomqvist8309]

@sniperrecords6470 I getcha. I actually was thinking this through before posting my original comment; I spent most of my early years playing quite a variety of similar games as well, some of the favourites being Redneck Rampage and Duke Nukem 3D - claiming that video game violence automatically ruins kids would be kinda moot from me. However, I know my son, 4, who currently is very easily influenced by anything and everything he sees in on a screen of any kind. Daughter is 2 and is very influenced by anything and everything my son does. And they both go to the same kindergarten. So I'm pacing things, possibly selfishly, since I can't be arsed with that hassle. This doesn't mean I'm not secretly waiting for the day I can blow up pixels together with the lil' runts 😄. Parents usually know their kids best and everyone makes their own choices with raising them. My comment was from my perspective, in my situation. I'm liking the direction this game is taking, but I still don't want to explain the kindergarten people why my kids are running around whacking other kids with pretend-axes on weekly basis.

[@theobell2002]

@@Gaze73 I was incredibly freaked out by Happy Tree Friends as a child to the point it caused me psychological distress..

[@Gaze73]

@@theobell2002 1. That was like 20 years ago, different times, 2. You shoulda stopped watching after the first clip if it was so distressing.

[@会供価]

This is a game that I would have enjoyed when I was like 10 on those free flash games sites. Looks fun

[@joelgomes1994]

That's some heavy metal attitude, and I love it! 😂

[@eloctopusmakesgames]

This is like when some people comment my game for android saying "can you remove ads? I don't have internet connection"😂😂😂 They really don't know what making a game means. I love making games, but I also hope to make it my job! But a lot of them can't see what's behind of it.

[@twistedliverstudio]

Man that looks so well done - I think they are crazy asking for a dial back.

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

I get it. For example, on my end I won’t play it because it’s just too over the top for me. I love doom, I love grand theft auto, etc. But to me this is actually too over the top to where I’m just not interested. Likewise though, I also get that that’s completely fine. I’m not that target audience and that is okay; the game will find its audience. But I can at least understand why a publisher would be interested in toning it down some. Just as I can understand why the developer would not be interested; every piece of media does not need to appeal to everyone.

[@LilxJohn85]

Never in the history of dial it down has it resulted in something actually been dialed down!! Keep it up, this is going to be an amazing game!!

[@burnheart2965]

The publisher killed him

[@Mekkablood]

Haha what was he thinking. What a perfect response. I think I need to dial it up on my game after watching this.

[@theebulll]

"Hi kids, do you like violence?" - Slim Relic

[@nathanstrik]

You should totally add a hidden bonus level called 'Michael World' that only has fluffy bunnies and dandelions. :D

[@mwp0013]

Haha i love this! 😂. John you really are a gift for game industry.

[@RuRu-vm6yw]

Love this ! Its brilliant, the actions looks so impactful, its amazing!

[@UnchartedWorlds]

John I got you on all notification! I'll be buying that game publisher or not! Viva La Revolucion!

[@berner]

Thanks for being a developer that understands its the developer that holds all the cards.

[@CashmereCloud]

Add some blood stains on the axe to improve the violence situation

[@Hachuurui]

I have wishlisted this game because of this response. You are amazing! Can't wait for its release.

[@spudanky]

🖐️ dial back violence 👉 dial up violence

[@andrewpullins8817]

This is the most appropriate response. Exactly the message you should be sending. I. WILL. NOT. COMPROMISE.

[@Pickle236]

Suggestion: in-game setting to control violence. When they first open the game they choose what they want it to start at. Boom, win for both of you!

[@bamfyu]

The violence in the game is what makes it stand out. Dialing it down would make iz less appealing to me.

[@denisroadmen9715]

Happy Wheels + Mortal Kombat + Broforce 😮

[@bluefuzz01]

Clever marketing tactic

[@henriqueam]

Where are you? Any updates on the development? Hope all is well

[@God_of_Art]

the fact that you added a sound when bones fall is wery cool

[@krzysztofjabonski9993]

beautiful response x) , I like it so much ^^

[@anormalguy8407]

Plot twist, he send that email to himself to make a viral video to boost wishlists

[@Bedsize]

Publisher: Your game is too unique, make it more like all the other games!... -This is why we cant have nice things!

[@zombiedemon1762]

Yeah we need more unique games. Like maybe play as a werewolf in Hell eating the demons to become more powerful. Or like one that has us playing as a sentient cloud monster in an open world High Fantasy Ancient Egypt eating other monsters alive and taking their powers for ourselves.

[@zombiedemon1762]

I would like an open world game that has you playing as a sentient pirate ship eating other pirate ships to get bigger and grow new rooms and stuff. But then also being able to play as a pirate on this ship and have fun exploring it.

[@mikeicnd1]

still waiting and can't wait! Being a commercial mead producer this will hit the spot perfectly!

[@buddylee19082]

Excellent response sir... DO NOT BEND for them, EVER. Your concepts and ideas are what will make this game LEGENDARY and if YOU see it in this light, than keep pushing it in that direction! I LOVE and RESPECT your decision to TURN UP the "violence" (this is a cartoonish VIDEO GAME we're talking about!?) rather than dial-it-back-a-bit to "reach a broader audience."

[@Eyesofwrathvox]

Okay this video randomly popped up in my algorithm and I'm so happy it did lol. This game looks awesome! I swear the bigwigs of every company in the video game industry, film industry, etc... has no clue what people actually want. With the right marketing, this game would have a HUGE audience. If you don't mind me asking, what engine did you use to make this? I'm brand new to game developing and I'm trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks in advance

[@AndyAwesomes]

Great job, looks awesome. We hear you Michael and turned up the gore so you wont notice the violence so much. Thank you for your input, we value your contribution. - A man.

[@BigTimberLodge]

As a descendant of Nordic Vikings, I approve these upgrades! Can't wait to play. SKOL

[@shulehr]

the combat looks fantastically realistic and very fluent, this is gonna be great

[@Mike365Smith]

How long until you finish your game ? Are you enjoying the 'polishing' of it - too much ? Do you have a 'Fear of Publishing' ? Waiting till it's perfect ? - I would love to see a video on your thoughts on this. - When is it - Good 'Enough' ? - Ready to Publish ? - and How to avoid 'Over Polish'...

[@xjusterx]

If the publisher is saying that your game have too much gore - change that publisher !

[@SewerTapes]

I think it's too cartoonish for anyone to take the violence as anything other than slapstick. You made the right choice to respond like this.

[@zappy7393]

The only response to a publisher who thinks they know better these days. My man.

[@franciscomagalhaes7457]

You should add blood spatter on the screen. Just to adjust the dial a bit.

[@Agon1stt]

You are an absolute gigachad sir, you know whats good

[@djnorth2020]

Guess we all knew you'd make it more bloody in response. But that it's also innovative gameplay. And historically accurate. Amazing.

[@szacsesz]

This is the best answer I've ever seen to a stupid request like that.

[@Usul75]

Perfect adjustment. Im not sure if Michael will be pleased, but the customers definitely will be.

[@BlazeLynxe]

“I thinking maybe instead you should try replacing the blood with butterflies 🦋 and make the npc’s puppy’s and kittens☝🏼🤓” 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@michaelrall8142]

lol, love your humor. And respectful High-5 for your whole journey, I hope it pays off well 🙂

[@josemengelez6947]

wow! this is the most *epic* and *metal* korean shovelware mobile game i've ever seen.

[@andyf1235]

This looks epic. Added to my steam list to get notified when it is live. Hell yeah!

[@CpsLock3]

Never let a publisher control your vison.

[@jorisbonson386]

Obviously complete bullshit, note how the publisher isn't even named. Just a marketing stunt.

[@lautaroasis60]

"Have you considered changing the name to blood and honey?"

[@NetTubeUser]

For me, it's just a promotion video and nothing else. Very smart.

[@cremedelamemesupreme1649]

Lol looks great but I don't know how he's catching that razor shield when it comes back to him 😂

[@bewArcher]

"Can you une it down?" Sure...I can tune it up to A THOUSAND! "that's not what I asked!" I KNOW!

[@PaulusBruna]

well this video reached me and it is now wishlisted ... publisher gave you good advice :) you reached wider audience :D

[@Nanzet443]

the big streamer watched your vid. congrats man, hope this boosts your sales!

[@LetoZeth]

This was the accurate Viking response. I'm proud of you.

[@muratcanagic]

Where are you my man?

[@mrdcato]

Right, like Mortal Kombat doesn't appeal to a wide audience. Good on you for adding the enhancements. Looks like it makes the game more fun!

[@Alexandragon1]

LMAO Also: adding blood thirsty rabbit as a pet could make this much funnier)

[@shiroite_]

The only possible response to an email asking a game called literally "Blood And Mead" to downgrade the violence

[@piscesdreams1023]

Two things catch my attention here. 1) They didn’t quantify the data for how much of a “wider audience” they expect. Of course a game that has potential for teens and kids will yield a wider audience, but they need to actually put a number to it they feel confident would sell extra over if left at fully M rated. 2) They’ve also not specified exactly how far back the violence needs to be reduced. They’re speaking in incredibly vague answers that allows them too much room to keep moving the goalpost. Kudos to you for doubling down.

[@Andreas_Mann]

I've been playing games for almost three decades and a game can never be too violent.

[@venturefanatic9262]

OMG...Publishers should just make their own watered down BS.

[@jeremyf1901]

I’ve had this wish listed for awhile now. I can’t wait to play it!

[@plutoniumzeppelin8164]

I wish more devs had the backbone to push back against publishers that want to water down their game to "appeal to a wider audience"

[@RootTheCoop87]

I can't wait for this to come out, already wish listed after seeing Asmon talk about this....

[@shanewalker8607]

Yeah, that's an easy wishlist add. Looking forward to release!

[@coffeediction]

Giving violence a reason, is a good way to change publishers mind xD Unfazed!

[@Jianju69]

Would playing hackey-sack with decapitated heads be too much to ask?

[@avus-kw2f213]

Just say The blood is tomato sauce Then it will appeal to a cooking audience