Super Seducer 2 Failure Due To #MeToo Movement, Says Creator
Given the massive number of independent game developers in the big digital gaming markets now, it is quite difficult for fresh creators to stand out. It seems that Richard La Ruina found a way to make a name for himself in the digital gaming space, though perhaps not for the reasons that he had hoped for. His game Super Seducer became quite well known on Steam for its advice meant for pickup artists, and its unintentional humor as perceived by players. Despite having a PS4 port cancelled, the game was successful enough to warrant a sequel, Super Seducer 2.
However, that game turned out to be a failure, and the creator has now chimed in on his theories regarding why. Richard La Ruina was recently interviewed by GamesIndustry.biz about the Super Seducer games. For those unaware, the games mostly consist of live-action cinematic segments that provide advice for practicing pick-up artists, mainly of the male variety.
However, the sequel did introduce some segments aimed at female attractors looking for a male partner. In the interview, La Ruina attributes the controversy that kept Super Seducer from staying on the PlayStation 4 digital store, as well as the failures of Super Seducer 2, to recent big name cases of sexual harassment that have come from the #MeToo movement. As he states:
It’s definitely the #MeToo movement, and it’s definitely the mistakes of some seduction gurus or pick-up artists that have done bad things. Like anything, there’s a spectrum. There’s reason for it. But to throw everyone under the bus because of a few bad apples, or to say that because there were some famous guys or powerful guys who took advantage and did some terrible things, that this can translate into a really nice guy approaching someone he likes in a coffee shop in a respectable way, it’s a bit of a jump.”
Many have been quick to point out the quality, or lack thereof, that has made the game so irksome, yet compulsively watchable. However, given the heavy emphasis on live-action cinematics that reduce the presence of gameplay elements, it’s easy to see why the game is a tough sell for audiences. While the titles may not be for everyone, it has been an interesting franchise to follow in the indie scene. Gaming may not yet have its Citizen Kane, but maybe Super Seducer is its The Room?
What do you guys think about these comments from the Super Seducer 2 creator? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to stay tuned for the latest Steam news, such as the big user count decline that happened recently, here on Don’t Feed the Gamers! Follow us on Twitter to see our updates the minute they go live!
Cory Lara2137 Posts
A royally radical and totally tubular 90s kid, Cory has a passion for all things nerdy, particularly gaming and nostalgia. While an accountant by day, he strives to be as creative and humorous as possible in his free time, be it here writing on Don't Feed the Gamers, or making dumb satirical posts on his Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
