When a Taiwanese Game Turns into a Sticky Political Snack
Red Candle Games dropped a horror‑adventure title called Devotion this month that quickly became a hot topic among gamers in both Taiwan and China. But what sparked a full‑scale boycott in China was a few unexpected lines of text that slipped through the game’s content review: an ancient Taoist chalkboard that spelled out “Xi Jinping, Little Bear Winnie” and a newspaper headline that mocked the president with the phrase “Baozi was arrested…”.
The Winnie the Pooh Connection
Winnie the Pooh’s Chinese name, “Winnie Bear”, has become a meme pet for poking fun at President Xi Jinping. The image of a beloved bear turning into a political gag isn’t new; Chinese censors have repeatedly blocked any mention of the cartoon character online.
Why “Baozi” is a Hot‑Button Food
In China, the word baozi—the steamed bun—has been used in memes as a nickname for Xi. The headline in the game, “Baozi was arrested for assaulting school children” and “Baozi was sentenced…”, was seen as a direct parody. The authorities had already pulled down earlier posts that used the same metaphor.
Gamers React
Players in mainland China didn’t hold back. They organized a boycott and posted screenshots, highlighting the “sneaky” hidden jokes, and called out the game on their favourite forums. The backlash spread quickly, sending ripples across the gaming community.
- Boycott launched: Players removed the game from purchase lists.
- Community outcry: Users demanded more transparency.
- Red Candle Games response: An apology was issued, acknowledging the oversight.
Bottom line: A playful line in a graphic game turned into a political firestorm, reminding us that cultural memes can carry more weight than imagined—especially when the lines between entertainment and politics blur.
Red Candle Fires Up Steam China Over a Game with a Shaky Plot
Yesterday, Red Candle dropped a bombshell: the fan‑frenzy title “Devotion” has been seriously pulled from Steam’s China store and anyone who paid will get their money back. The 24‑Feb statement sounded like a sincere apology, especially after players uncovered that a lone developer had inserted some questionable content without the team’s eye catching it.
What’s the Backstory?
- The Surprise: Players spotted the odd content last Thursday and the whole community went live‑wired.
- Red Candle’s Reply: “Not our style, not what we intended. We’re sorry for the pain,” they wrote on Facebook, using the classic “deeply sorry” line.
- Swift Action: Steam China’s drop means no more downloads, and a full refund is on the way for those who already bought the game.
- Terminating Ties: The studio has already cut off its Chinese distributor and a Taiwanese investor with Shanghai presence – seems like they’re sending a clear signal.
Taiwan’s Vice‑Premier Gets Involved
Not all reaction made it from hands‑to‑hands. Taiwan’s Vice‑Premier Chen Chi‑mai announced that he’s got the “creative freedom” vibe on lock, promising to keep an eye on “Devotion” whenever he can. He praised the game’s youthful creative spirit and even mentioned grabbing a play when he’s not swamped.
Why This Matters in the Bigger Picture
- When the country’s leadership refuses to say “one China” for Taiwan, businesses often have to walk a tightrope: they want to play an open game but can’t risk China’s wrath.
- Last year’s coffee chain 85C Bakery Café hit a rough patch when China shut it down after serving Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing‑wen. The café’s public “firm support for One China” was basically them dancing in a new, shrill dance after a sudden cut‑off.
We’re Watching With a Watchful Eye
Search for “Devotion” on China’s Weibo? No posts. That’s a bummer for the players. Meanwhile, Red Candle is trying to safeguard what they see as a small, creative piece. Whether or not they can smooth it out, the debate about creativity, censorship, and cross‑border gaming is clearly heating up.
