The developer of “The Coffin of Andy and Leyley” was driven off the internet. The reason? Transphobia and taboos in her game.
Anyone who reads my posts knows that I like to peek into curious games. Whether they are strange pony horror games, weird succubus violence excesses, or visual novels with really nasty endings.
My last “special” game was “The Coffin of Andy and Leyley”, the first two chapters of which I devoured. It’s a game with great characters, excellent story, and some exciting taboos that fit the quirky characters – it includes cannibalism and an emerging incestuous relationship.
I loved every minute of the game. I liked the taboos, I found the story thrilling, and it kept me up all night. It was a twisted mix of psychological horror with small puzzles and great story.
Well, but apparently we just can’t have good things on the internet. Because in the Steam forum of the game, the publisher posted the following message:
At the request of the lead developer, Kit9 Studio has taken over the title The Coffin of Andy and Leyley. Our team of freelancers will take care of programming, community management, customer support, ongoing contracts, and legal disputes. The original developer will continue to contribute the art and story to the game. We will do our best to support her in creating the game she wants to create.
Unfortunately, the developer has decided to permanently and completely cease her online activities. The best way to show your support is to direct discussions towards the game and not the developer. She wants to be left alone.
There will be no communication or sharing of information with the developer from here on. She has chosen to remain completely in the dark and continue her work offline uninterrupted.
Aside from Kit9 Studio taking on the role of owner and publisher, the development of The Coffin of Andy and Leyley will continue without changes to the plan. (…)
When I read that, my jaw dropped. I had already noticed at the release that the developer was expecting some criticism and even sensed that people would be upset.
How did this happen? Finding the exact reasons for the developer’s withdrawal is not so easy, as many of the posts have since been deleted. However, it can probably be summarized:
Some users of the platform “Soyjack Party”, essentially a vile mix of Twitter and 4chan, have massively insulted and threatened the developer. The reason for this is partly the incestual relationship that is only hinted at in the game (and must be actively brought about by the player) and the speculation that the developer Nemlei is a trans woman.
Yes, apparently that is already enough to massively attack people.
In addition to death threats, doxing is said to have occurred – that is, the publishing of real-life information such as the home address.
An environment of fear has thus been created to intimidate the developer so strongly that the development of the game is stopped.
Fortunately, that has not succeeded, but getting someone to completely withdraw from the internet and not even want to talk to fans anymore is quite a hefty thing.
One should keep in mind that we are talking about a game whose content, although (rightly) controversial, has over 97% positive ratings on Steam – it is simply a good, well-thought-out game.
The Coffin of Andy and Leyley was one of my “small great” surprises of the gaming year 2023 and is definitely one of the most interesting games I got to play this year. The fact that a developer was attempted to be silenced in the best Twitter mob manner just so that a game that no one is forced to consume is not further developed is primarily one thing: A disgrace to all who contributed to it. You are really pathetic.
In this sense: Great job, once again driving someone off the internet. I sincerely hope that all those responsible get their just punishment.
Several months ago, in another case, a woman was driven off the internet – a voice actress from the JRPG hit Persona 5.
Your opinion is important to us!
Do you like the article? Then let us know!