Capcom has canceled a lecture about the development of Monster Hunter Wilds after staff faced threats from players following performance problems. The talk was intended to highlight recent optimization efforts but was called off shortly after the Free Title Update 2 was introduced, as it encountered some technical issues.
The lecture, titled “Monster Hunter: Wilds runs smoothly! Everything you need to know about optimization,” was scheduled for CEDEC, Japan’s largest game developer conference. It aimed to share Capcom’s progress in improving the game’s performance and stability.
Following the announcement and the update’s performance hiccups, Capcom experienced harsh backlash on social media, which escalated into direct intimidation and threats against employees. While the company didn’t explicitly link the cancellation to these threats, the timing strongly suggests a connection.
In a statement, Capcom said, “We take customer opinions and requests seriously, as they are indispensable for improving our products and services, and we strive to improve quality.” However, it also noted, “We have confirmed instances of slander, libel, denigration, intimidation, threats to harm or disrupt business, and harassment against our executives and employees by name.”
The publisher warned that if such behavior continues, it will consider taking legal action, including contacting the police and lawyers, and possibly pursuing criminal proceedings. The performance problems that triggered this situation have been mainly addressed with a quick patch, although a few players still report issues in extreme cases. It’s a tough spot for Capcom, as it tries to manage community frustration while protecting its staff.
What do you think about companies canceling events due to harassment? Have you seen similar situations in gaming communities? Let me know in the comments below.
