Apex Legends developer Respawn has advised gamers to cease harassing its workers.

In a press release posted on Twitter, the corporate mentioned it has “seen elevated harassment in the direction of members of our growth crew” and mentioned that whereas it welcomes constructive suggestions, a line has been crossed.

It’s unclear whether or not the assertion was issued in response to a particular incident or a broader uptick in toxicity geared toward Respawn workers, however the message from Respawn is evident: we have had sufficient.

“We wish to remind our gamers that we’ve got a zero tolerance coverage for threats and the harassment of our builders. We will take applicable motion to make sure the well being and security of our crew,” wrote the studio.

“We love listening to suggestions and can proceed to work alongside our group to foster a respectful, collaborative surroundings, and uphold the aggressive integrity of our sport.”

A rising concern

Respawn shortly garnered help from others within the trade. Destiny developer Bungie stood in solidarity with the EA-owned firm, including that “standing towards toxicity and harassment takes all of us working collectively to construct more healthy communities,” whereas Santa Monica Studio artistic director Cory Barlog additionally voiced his help.

This is not the primary time in latest months a studio has issued a press release telling gamers to maintain themselves in examine.

Back in July, God of War Ragnarok developer Santa Monica Studio sought to defend its workforce by telling gamers that whereas their ardour was inspiring, it “shouldn’t be poisonous nor come on the expense of any human being’s dignity. Bungie additionally sued a participant known as Luca “inkwell” Leone earlier this yr for in-game dishonest and harassing its workforce.

Those incidents, alongside Respawn’s personal assertions that harassment geared toward its crew is rising, point out that participant communities must shortly get a grip or danger being frozen out of the dialog by studios and builders whose persistence is understandably carrying skinny.