The fighting game Skullgirls is taking heat after one of their latest updates. Recently, Lab Zero Games added Dominique “SonicFox” McLean as an NPC in the game. This has caused a small uproar from gamers who either dislike SonicFox as a person or are just blatantly homophobic. Either way, gamers have begun to give the game negative reviews on its page on Steam.
SonicFox is, without a doubt, one of the best Skullgirls (or fighting games in general) players out there. They have won 10 different events playing the game and only came in second place one time. They are iconic within the Fighting Game Community and it makes sense that a developer would give them a small place in the game.
SonicFox makes their appearance in Skullgirls standing in the background on one of the stages. That is it. That is the entire appearance they make, yet this has caused some gamers to dislike Skullgirls off of this one background character that has no impact on the game. Here are just a few of the many recent negative reviews left on its Steam page.
Like it or Not, It’s Going to EVO
Skullgirls is one of the games introduced into the EVO Online line-up. The portrayal of SonicFox’s fursona has the potential to be put on display for the entire tournament. But to put the pointless outrage into even more perspective, the NPC appears in only one variant of one stage that is only seen on one platform. The fact that gamers would stop playing this game is beyond ridiculous. Whether someone hates McLean or his gaming persona, these gamers will have a tough time watching EVO Online because Skullgirls will finally be featured on the main lineup this Summer, and SonicFox will definitely be playing.
This is not the first instance that SonicFox has faced homophobia within the gaming community. It is an aspect of gaming that is still being addressed to this day. The slew of negative reviews from homophobic gamers will most likely not have an impact on the game’s sales, but it showcases issues within the FGC and among gamers altogether.