How Hidden Nazi Symbols Were the Tip of a Toxic Iceberg at Life Is Strange Developer Deck Nine

Early last year, while working on a new Life Is Strange game, developers at Deck Nine discovered unsettling elements. Initially, a reference to the number 88, a known hate symbol, was flagged. However, as weeks progressed, more problematic symbols and in-universe labels emerged, including references to a racist meme, the number 18, and the Hagal rune, a symbol with Nazi connections. This prompted mounting concerns that someone was deliberately embedding these elements, potentially to appeal to white supremacist audiences, within the game. This discovery shattered the carefully cultivated reputation of a franchise, especially considering the game’s previous accolades for positive portrayals of marginalized individuals.

Deck Nine’s Response

Deck Nine’s response to the allegations surrounding problematic content in the game was a statement released to iGV. They emphasized their commitment to diversity and creating stories for all. They acknowledged the importance of a diverse team and stated they were working to establish policies and training to prevent future incidents. This statement, however, fell short of addressing the deeper systemic issues within the company. A core contention was whether the problematic content was intentional or accidental; employees expressed doubt about the sincerity of the claim it was unintentional.

The Toxic Work Culture

Beyond the hate symbols, a pervasive culture of toxicity permeated Deck Nine. Several current and former employees reported a series of concerns, including:

• Inadequate Management Response: Previous instances of unsafe work environments for marginalized employees were not addressed, creating a climate of fear and distrust.
• Abusive Leadership: Management was accused of protecting abusive leaders and allowing a hostile work environment, including instances of crunch, bullying, and insufficient support for accurate representation.
• Poor Collaboration: Difficulties in communicating with Square Enix, the publisher, were evident, with a perception of external pressure and a lack of agency for creative decisions.
• Unfair Compensation Practices: Allegations of low pay, especially for women and other marginalized groups, and uneven promotion practices highlighted systemic inequity.

The Role of Square Enix

Several sources characterized the relationship with Square Enix, the publisher of Life Is Strange, as problematic. Some felt the publisher was excessively hands-on with the scripting, seemingly resistant to the game’s diverse themes. This manifested in a restriction on representing LGBTQ+ characters, specifically in the representation of the lead character Alex’s bisexuality. In some instances, sources reported conflicting demands regarding character portrayals that appeared designed to downplay or censor representation, leading to frustration and internal conflicts.

The Case of Zak Garriss

The narrative director, Zak Garriss, became a focal point of controversy. Sources claimed that his behavior exhibited patterns of inappropriate mentorship, with alleged love-bombing tactics and subsequent exclusion or retribution towards those who challenged his decisions, especially those advocating for diverse representation. His alleged actions included taking women on personal outings after work, making offensive comments, and retaliating against individuals who sought accurate portrayals of marginalized characters. The incidents of alleged abuse were reported to HR, with management not taking appropriate action. Subsequently, Garriss departed Deck Nine, but later re-entered the picture in a surprising twist.

Consequences and Future Implications

The repercussions of these incidents were significant. Several instances of layoffs and cancellations of major projects (The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us 2) affected a large number of employees. The narrative team and other affected parties struggled with the implications of such events. Sources expressed concern that the future of Deck Nine hinged on its ability to rebuild trust and improve its working environment, particularly for those who advocate for diverse and impactful storytelling. The discovery of hate symbols solidified the perception that Deck Nine’s internal dynamics were toxic and jeopardized the integrity of the Life is Strange brand.

Deck Nine’s Actions and Allegations

Deck Nine ultimately took action by removing the hate symbols and investigating how they entered the game. While they professed their commitment to avoiding hate speech in future projects, the perceived lack of proactive measures by management to mitigate the incidents, along with the length of time it took to address the issues, fueled employee skepticism about the seriousness of their intentions and the sincerity of the investigation. Ultimately, the company hired an outside firm to investigate the problem further.

Conclusion

The discovery of hidden Nazi symbols within the game, combined with the numerous reports of toxic work culture and inappropriate behavior, highlighted a deeper problem within Deck Nine. The issue exposed a company culture that appeared to prioritize profit and expediency over the well-being of its employees and the values embodied by the game. The ongoing allegations and lack of complete transparency create a complex situation for both the studio and its fans, as it casts a shadow over a franchise that had previously cultivated a reputation for thoughtful and empathetic storytelling.