Penny Arcade and Child’s Play founders Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik are probably used to influencing the industry via their webcomic, not having it done for them through their charity. “Retake Mass Effect,” a fan effort to have the ending of the game changed, has been using Child’s Play donations as a means of drawing attention to their cause. Suffice it to say, there were problems.
“We were dealing with a lot of very confused people, more every day, and that told us we had a problem,” said Penny Arcade’s Jerry Holkins. “Apparently some of the people giving to the cause seemed to think that they were paying for a new ending to Mass Effect.” As a result, Child’s Play regulations have now been changed to disallow similar behavior in the future. “Child’s Play cannot be a tool to draw attention to a cause. Child’s Play must be the Cause.”
The Impact of “Retake Mass Effect”
The “Retake Mass Effect” movement gained significant traction among fans who were dissatisfied with the ending of Mass Effect 3. The campaign aimed to persuade BioWare, the game’s developer, to create an alternate ending that would better satisfy the fanbase. While fan campaigns are not uncommon in the gaming industry, the use of Child’s Play donations to further this cause was unprecedented and controversial.
Child’s Play is a charity that provides toys and games to children in hospitals worldwide. It was founded by Holkins and Krahulik in 2003 and has since become a beloved institution within the gaming community. The charity’s mission is to improve the lives of children through the power of play, and it has raised millions of dollars to support this cause.
Clarifying the Mission of Child’s Play
The confusion surrounding the “Retake Mass Effect” campaign highlighted the need for clearer guidelines regarding the use of Child’s Play donations. Many donors mistakenly believed that their contributions were directly funding a new ending for Mass Effect 3, rather than supporting the charity’s mission to help children in need. This misunderstanding prompted Holkins and Krahulik to take action to protect the integrity of Child’s Play.
In response to the situation, Child’s Play updated its regulations to ensure that donations are used solely for the charity’s intended purpose. The new guidelines explicitly state that Child’s Play cannot be used as a tool to draw attention to other causes, no matter how well-intentioned they may be. This change was necessary to maintain the trust of donors and ensure that the charity’s resources are used effectively.
The incident also sparked a broader conversation within the gaming community about the ethics of fan campaigns and the responsibilities of both fans and developers. While fans have every right to express their opinions and advocate for changes, it is important to do so in a way that respects the boundaries of charitable organizations and other entities.
The “Retake Mass Effect” campaign serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of using charitable donations to further unrelated causes. While the passion and dedication of the Mass Effect fanbase are commendable, it is crucial to remember that charities like Child’s Play exist to serve a specific mission. By keeping this mission at the forefront, we can ensure that charitable efforts remain focused and effective, ultimately benefiting those who need it most.
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