The gaming community is abuzz with rumors and concerns surrounding the highly anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine video game, currently in development by Insomniac Games.
One such rumor, originating from Mark Kern, also known as Grummz on X (Noted by Comicbook)—a former lead developer for World of Warcraft and producer of Diablo 2 and Starcraft—suggests that the consulting firm Sweet Baby Inc. has joined the project as advisors for Marvel’s Wolverine.
This revelation has sparked a heated debate, with some fans voicing concerns over the possible impact of Sweet Baby Inc. on the game’s character designs and narrative elements.
What’s the Issue with Sweet Baby Inc.’s Involvement?
Sweet Baby Inc. is a consultancy firm that assists game developers in incorporating DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) principles into their narratives and character designs.
Their stated mission is to promote sensitivity and representation in video games.
However, critics argue that their involvement can sometimes lead to creative compromises, sacrificing artistic integrity for the sake of perceived inclusivity.
According to Kern, Sweet Baby Inc.’s involvement in Marvel’s Wolverine video game could lead to a similar fate as the recently released Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game, which reportedly resulted in a substantial $200 million loss for Warner Bros. due to its perceived flaws.
Kern alleges that Sweet Baby Inc. has a track record of pushing for character designs that deviate from traditionally attractive or aesthetically pleasing representations, particularly for female characters.
He cites an example of a lead artist at major studios like Naughty Dog, Rocksteady Games, and Respawn, who expressed frustration over their attempts to design beautiful female characters being consistently ignored or revised to resemble “grocery store aunties.”
That’s why, he stated that the characters in games developed by Western developers are becoming less attractive compared to those in Asian games.
Recently, Chinese developer Game Science said clear “No” to Sweet Baby Inc.’s for their upcoming mythology-based title – Black Myth: Wukong.
What’s the Evidence of Sweet Baby Inc.’s Influence on Wolverine?
Kern points to leaked early screenshots of Jean Grey’s character model from Marvel’s Wolverine, showcasing a stark contrast between the initial, more conventionally attractive design and the final, more masculine and “world-weary” version.
He attributes this change to Sweet Baby Inc.’s influence, claiming that the consulting firm’s mission to insert DEI sensitivity into games has led to such alterations.
Something big happened yesterday and most people missed it. Every theory we had about the uglification of women in AAA gaming turned out to be true.
Look at what happened to Jean Grey from @insomniacgames Marvel’s Wolverine from these leaked early screenshots of the first,… pic.twitter.com/Zm5h6ovgwD
— Grummz (@Grummz) June 19, 2024
We know that Sweet Baby Inc. is involved with Marvel’s Wolverine. We know this because of Sweet Baby’s own tweets, and because a Narrative Director for Insomniac’s Wolverine game ran to the defense of SBI.
SBI does 2 things well talked about. They assist with dialog and story,… pic.twitter.com/jggJjFGJ6y
— Grummz (@Grummz) June 19, 2024
Is This a Legitimate Concern or Overreaction?
While Kern’s claims have resonated with some gamers who have expressed similar concerns about character design changes in recent games, it’s essential to approach this information with a critical eye.
Without direct confirmation from Insomniac Games or Sony, these assertions remain speculative.
It’s also worth noting that character design decisions can be influenced by various factors, including artistic vision, storytelling considerations, and practical limitations.
Dismissing these potential factors and attributing all changes solely to Sweet Baby Inc.’s involvement may be an oversimplification.
And, considering Wolverine’s projected 2026 release date based on last year’s leak, we may anticipate further enhancements in character design, that Mr. Kern is concerned about.
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