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It's been a wild few days in the gaming community following the arrival of Highguard and its "Mostly Negative" reviews – but it seems not everyone agrees with the criticisms, or perhaps such negative criticisms against games in general.
Baldur's Gate 3 director and Larian Studios lead Swen Vincke is one such person, taking to the web to share his thoughts on critiques following games' releases – especially those that are more negative in nature. "I don't like people shitting on things others have created," writes the developer. "Putting something out into the world makes you vulnerable, and that alone deserves respect, even if you dislike the creation."
I don’t like people shitting on things others have created. Putting something out into the world makes you vulnerable, and that alone deserves respect, even if you dislike the creation. It’s easy to destroy things, it’s a lot harder to build them. The best critics understand…January 27, 2026
He continues: "It's easy to destroy things, it's a lot harder to build them. The best critics understand this. Even when they’re being critical, they do their best not to be hurtful."
It does make sense – a lot of work goes into game development, after all, but I'd personally argue that reviews should be fair… and that means they're not always written in favor of the title they're covering. I do, however, get what Vincke means.
"The harsh words do real damage," as he puts it. "You shouldn't have to grow calluses on your soul just because you want to publish something." Vincke even says "there's plenty of games" he doesn't enjoy – but "it's incredibly rare for one to be made without there being someone behind it that truly cared about what they were making, putting a part of themselves in it." He does, however, get why people want a good product if they spend money on it.
The reviews they look to as a guide, in his opinion, shouldn't be so strongly worded if they are negative. "I get that if people are charging money, you want to know if it's good or not. But reviewers can just say –I didn't enjoy it, or I don't think it's well made, or I don't think it's worth the money they are charging. That's enough. No need to get personal for the sake of some likes." Vincke then goes on to remind folks to "be nice to one another."
"Think of the time you had to recite something in front of the class and how nervous you were," he says. "And how much any negative comment hurt. Be nice to one another, be nice to the people creating stuff to entertain you. Treat them like you would like to be treated if you made something. Consider it a strategic investment in the quality of your future entertainment. You won't regret it."
The Larian head clarifies he isn't "defending" devs or publishers who are "shitting" on players or milking those who enjoy their game. "I hate it wholeheartedly and vowed that Larian would never engage in it," he states. "What I'm trying to say is that most creative souls are sensitive souls, and those sensitive souls are the ones that care the most. When they check out because they can't handle the vitriol, we all lose because what's left are those who don't care."
Vincke says, "The effect the words have on those sensitive souls may not be underestimated. You don't want them to lose their idealism and love of players," before concluding that "you don't have to verbally hurt the people behind the game to express your disdain." Should enough folks stop playing a game, "those in charge will get the message and change course soon." After all, "There's enough other games there."
Although I'm not sure how I feel about Vincke's message in its entirety – I feel both negative and positive reviews are valuable and differing opinions will always lead to both – I do think that the community could benefit from being less vindictive overall. Some commenters seem to agree, with one writing, "The rise of the hating-games-as-a-hobby crowd has genuinely ruined gaming communities from a discussion standpoint."
Addendum: It needs to be said apparently - but I don't like developers or publishers shitting on players either. And I certainly don't like those that milk players who love their game. I understand why players are upset by it. It upsets me too. I hate it wholeheartedly and vowed…January 28, 2026
They then add, "We have more great games than ever. Yet some people spend more time and invest a greater part of themselves in hate than in engaging with things they enjoy. It's sad." Others aren't so sure, though. "If you deliver an uninspired, unpolished game for a genre that most gamers have fatigue over, I think it's valid that you're going to have backlash," as one person explains in a separate response.
It's a complicated subject to discuss, that's for certain. One thing is for sure, though – there are plenty of wonderful games to enjoy in 2026, and you don't have to do a lot of searching to find one you'd probably like yourself.
Looking for something to wishlist? Be sure to browse our roundup of some of the best new games coming this year and beyond for great titles to anticipate.
