Yet another grown-man is facing consequences for his actions. YouTube personality, JonTron has had his minor speaking-role cut from the upcoming platformer, Yooka-Laylee. The game’s developer, Playtonic made this decision after Mr. Tron (real name Jon Jafari) shared his far-right views with the public.

A spiritual successor to the Rare lineup of cartoony 3D platformers, Yooka-Laylee smashed its Kickstarter funding goal in 2015. JonTron was going to voice a minor character in the new game. Yooka-Laylee is launching on April 11th, but according to Playtonic, it will do so without JonTron’s voice work.

In an official statement delivered to GamesIndustry.biz, Playtonic announced their intention to cut ties with the controversial Youtuber.

“JonTron is a talented video presenter who we were initially, two years ago, happy to include as a voice contributor in our game. However, in light of his recent personal viewpoints we have made the decision to remove JonTron’s inclusion in the game via a forthcoming content update. We would like to make absolutely clear that we do not endorse or support JonTron’s personal viewpoints and that, as an external fan contributor, he does not represent Playtonic in any capacity.”

A Debatable Downfall

Jafari’s “personal viewpoints” have garnered some backlash for the founder of the Normal Boots network. Some of these incendiary viewpoints can be heard during his debate with professional streamer, Steve Bonnell. Bonnell goes by the name, Destiny on Twitch.

Some of the little gems gleaned from the interview include Jafari’s statements that “we don’t need immigrants from incompatible places” and that Mexican immigrants are attempting to “break parts of America off back into Mexico.”

Jafari responded to Playtonic’s decision via Twitter. “Unfortunate to see Playtonic remove me from Yooka-Laylee, but I understand their decision. I wish them the best with their launch!” A far more measured response than that of some of his fans. Plenty of whom seem to think punishing someone for their terrible viewpoints is the same as censoring them.

https://twitter.com/maxime_lebled/status/845266151080968192

Remember, just because you can say whatever you like online doesn’t mean those opinions are exempt from criticism. Particularly if they are considered morally reprehensible by a company that doesn’t wish to endorse those views through association. Just because you can say what you think doesn’t mean anyone has to support or condone it. Certainly not a colorful 3D platformer full of oddball characters.

About the Author

Joanna Mueller

Joanna Mueller is a lifelong gamer who used to insist on having the Super Mario Bros manual read to her as a bedtime story. Now she's reading Fortnite books to her own kiddo while finally making use of her degree to write about games as Cliqist's EIC.

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