Age of Wonders: Planetfall | Political Propaganda?

Politics. Everyone claims to hate it unless it's preaching their side of the debate. I, personally hate politics of any kind being pushed in a one sided manner in my paid for entertainment. I feel that shit should be kept out of entertainment, especially video games and films that can influence youth in such a manipulative manner by not giving the full scope of the argument, or both sides from a neutral standpoint. It is this very thing that brings me to typing up what could be considered by some to be a click bait article. I assure it is not though as Paradox Interactive, and their game "Age of Wonders: Planetfall" exhibits what seems to be a deliberately divisive narrative that is often spun within the realm of politics, and now within various forms of entertainment. That narrative being the demonizing of white men, in this particular case. In the teaser trailer we see an army of space soldiers led by a cliche white male captain. We see the captain and his army land on an uncharted planet, and we see two indigenous tribes come forth to confront the white man, and his army of white clad space soldiers. The fact that the indigenous humans are seemingly African in race further points to an underlying narrative that encompasses the hate of white men, and their past real world conquering of native populations. The aliens of the game seemingly representing the same agenda, but to a different degree. Perhaps inline with the real world illegal immigration situation. Whatever the case may be it is easy to see there is purpose behind the character design in this game.

Whatever side you may be on, politically, I think we all can agree that politics in gaming detracts from escapism. That instead of being fantasy filled fun it changes the medium into a preachy sermon. Moreover it takes away from the quality, and desirability of the product being sold. As a gamer it concerns me deeply how this can, and will impact the industry as a whole going forward. We've seen too many companies, and studios do similar things by getting woke, and going broke. It's happened in the comic book industry, in the movie industry, and the gaming industry. The fact of the matter is that these products fail, because they push ideas on people. Ideas that ruin established characters, and lore as well as the basic purpose of products that aim to be sold en masse through tacked on hate peddling. The bottom line is this. You cannot, as a business man or woman, alienate fans or would be fans, and expect them to pay to be alienated. It does not work that way. Even with the support of the political side you are on it will never be enough to make you a big name in whatever industry you want to grow in. Gamers also lose out in the end in that they'll eventually be left with nothing worth paying for or playing. Even the ones selling the sermon will grow tired of their games/entertainment not amounting to jack shit, and not spreading the cancerous message of hate they want to spread.

With either side of the political spectrum not willing to hear the other ones out how do you assume that your biased product will sell well? It won't. It definitely won't for with bias comes the birth of niche entertainment, and as we all know not all niche things survive the long haul. Especially, when those niche things call you a bigot, racist, homophobic, Nazi, or xenophobic with no grounds of reality to the slanderous claim. The hateful generalization of entire races, or genders itself is a business killer. It is corporate suicide. Sadly, often times those pushing these agendas, or narratives claim they are fighting against those very things while doing the same damn things themselves. Most intelligent people aren't so stupid they'll take your name calling, and accusatory accusations as fact. Thus you'll lose those potential customers you are trying to brainwash and indoctrinate.

The only solution to the problem is to stop taking sides, or show how both sides have their faults. Stop showing one half of the picture with out showing the other half. Either that or go neutral, and bank it big like a smart business man or woman. Above all you must realize that spreading hate does not inspire one to join your cause, especially when that hate is directed at the people you want to join your cause. I will close in saying that I've not yet played "Age of Wonders: Planetfall", but from what I've seen I don't think I'm off point. Do better gaming industry.