TSR TSR3 Blames Widespread Pushback On WotC

In an unexpected turn of events, the primary individuals behind TSR3 have claimed the pushback they've received on social media and elsewhere was orchestrated by .... D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast (a company which has thus far remained completely silent on recent events). TSR3 is run by Justin LaNasa, Stephen Dinehart, and Ernie Gygax. The controversy has been raging for over a week...

In an unexpected turn of events, the primary individuals behind TSR3 have claimed the pushback they've received on social media and elsewhere was orchestrated by .... D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast (a company which has thus far remained completely silent on recent events).

TSR3 is run by Justin LaNasa, Stephen Dinehart, and Ernie Gygax. The controversy has been raging for over a week, since TSR3 announced itself with a press release.


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Stephen Dinehart and Ernie Gygax have since deactivated their Twitter accounts; Justin LaNasa doesn't appear to have one, but it is believed he is the person operating TSR3's Twitter account. A couple of days ago, Ernie Gygax posted about recent events on Facebook (note that he edited the post, but the original can be seen here).

I wish to state in the strongest terms that I never meant to hurt anyone of any race, creed or color. My video From the Bunker caused some to feel that they would not be welcome or would be looked down upon. That was never the intent, I was reacting to focus of modern role play into a more background and Role Play rather than the wargame that so made so many lives happy over 40 years ago.

As a gamer it meant that most of us were not worthy of any attention from others of our own age. We were Nerds. We were brainy-acks and others would snicker. Older classmen would ask to "borrow" something of ours to then pass back and forth a game of keep away. I used to receive some special attention from about 4 Juniors in my Freshman year. I played the Violin and often I began to wish that I had Super Powers, perhaps become a Giant.. I was far to shy and then embarrassed as attractive ladies would just lower the eyes while the jocks or other socially vibrant fellows had some fun at another geeky nerds expense. Thank goodness I grew 4 inches my junior year.

The only real comfort zone we all could share was a table in the lunch room. At least the fledgling TSR found fertile minds in those who had only those like us - gamers. Rather than have to risk embarrassing myself, since Phy Ed was going to force us to dance with those wonderful and yet scary girls. Well to get my Diploma I had to slave for a month to Mr. Gerber the head of the Phy Ed department. Fortunately I knew all about janitorial work as before D&D and TSR dad only made $5,000 as a Cobbler (five children) and we had food stamps and even free school lunches. Yes you had to go to the councilors office every week to collect your free lunch passes. Obviously you could feel all the eyes on you and the talk about....

Everyone has been welcome at my gaming table and multitudes of new friends have been created by the time spent playing the games we Love. Look at pictures of gaming on my site or anywhere I run games. Everyone is welcome, just like a Boot Hill game leave your guns at the bar until you leave town. If you come to the Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum Jeff R. Leason will show you courtesy and a smile and you will see that gaming with elder gamers is a safe and entertaining environment.


 

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imagineGod

Legend
High school revenge fantasy's not uncommon. Ernie's trying to paint himself as a victim though. I think most people got bullied.
And if we accept many people get bullied is a bad thing, and look at the recent storm of Twitter accounts that targeted Ernie Gygax as a person specifically, with nothing good to offer, we can deduce he was bullied off Twitter.

That is nothing unique to Ernie Gygax, just a terrible reality we see affecting so many others in the entertainment business, causing them to suffer mental health problems and leave social media.
 
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TheSword

Legend
Every adventure needs a villain. Clearly Nu-TSR has decided their’s is the WOC empire.

The good news is by unequivocally setting themselves against WOC then it has made any statement by WOC much easier. They can simply deny and say we don’t know they’re talking about followed by statement of support for the trans community.

In a sense WOC have created this situation. By expanding the game to be more than just for straight white men. Ernie’s/LaNasa’s words sound very territorial and desperate as they try and hold on to that exclusivity. At some point they will realize that the ship has already sailed.
 
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loverdrive

Prophet of the profane (She/Her)
And if we accept many people get bullied is a bad thing, and look at the recent storm of Twitter accounts that targeted Ernie Gygax as a person specifically, with nothing good to offer, we can deduce he was bullied off Twitter.

That is nothing unique to Ernie Gygax, just a terrible reality we see affecting so many others in the entertainment business, causing them to suffer mental health problems and leave social media.
Well, all Ernie had to do to is just... sincerely apologize. Like "I've said some pretty stupid and ignorant things, but now I understand my mistakes. Here's how we will proceed, and hired a trans person to consult with". Puff! Crisis averted. Instead, he and TSR doubled down on things that rightfully got them ostracized.
 

Yes. It could have been easy to get out of that situation before it went downhill.
But he acts like someone who suffered from being bullied and he has two reactions: run or attack.
He chose a bit of both, when the reasonable reaction would be listen, think and talk/apologize to the people offended.
I also think he is not aware how his words were offensive. Probably he doesn't see himself as the person hurting feelings when all he knew as a kid was being hurt.
 

imagineGod

Legend
Well, all Ernie had to do to is just... sincerely apologize. Like "I've said some pretty stupid and ignorant things, but now I understand my mistakes. Here's how we will proceed, and hired a trans person to consult with". Puff! Crisis averted. Instead, he and TSR doubled down on things that rightfully got them ostracized.
True, but even if he did not, the same crowding behavior that affects many an individual's mental health is not a good strategy to support, because then the person who was wrong becomes a victim of online bullying. That is different ftom a callout, usually from a peer or groups offering valid criticism. But when a crowd dogoiles, and makes personal attacks, new victims are made.

From what I witnessed on Twitter, it legitimately gives Ernie Gygax the out that he was hounded off Twitter by incessant personal attacks directed at him.
 
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