stayc main image

BIGBANG Make History With “Still Life” Comeback After 4-Year Hiatus

April 5, 2022

Alas, BIGBANG have finally made their long-awaited return to the spotlight with their new single, “Still Life” – a heartfelt ballad about the perils of growing up and learning from your past. As...

Read more
stayc main image

Jack Harlow Samples Fergie’s “Glamorous” in Viral TikTok Snippet

April 5, 2022

Last week, Louisville heartthrob Jack Harlow dropped a 13 second snippet of a new song he’d been working on that samples Fergie’s hit, “Glamorous” and it immediately went viral on TikTok within...

Read more
stayc main image

J-Pop group XGalX debut’s breaking social norms with song “Tippy Toes”

March 18, 2022

After month’s of anticipation Japanese Girl group XGalX debute with new single “Tippy Toes”. The group consists of 7 young empowered women named Jurin, Harvey, Hinata, Chisa, Maya, Juria and Co...

Read more
stayc main image

Shawn Mendez opens up about break up with new song

March 29, 2022

Newly heartbroken singer Shawn Mendez performs his new song “When you’re gone” at South by Southwest. This is the debut song that came out after his break up with fellow singer Camila Cabello after...

Read more
stayc main image

Chaka Khan on Kanye West’s Through the Wire – “I hated it; it was an insult!”

March 16, 2022

Whether you’ve been a fan of Kanye West from the start, or you’ve recently watched his Netflix trilogy “Jeen-Yuhs”, you’ve probably heard his of first breakout single into the rap industry “Through...

Read more
stayc main image

Weeekly Makes 2022 Return With “Play Game: Awake”

March 10, 2022

Weeekly pivots away from their bubbly and upbeat sound and makes a major transformation in their edgy and ambitious first mini album, “Play Game: Awake”.‍“Play Game: Awake” marks Weeekly’s fourth...

Read more
stayc main image

Stray Kids Make 2022 Comeback With Mini Album – ODDINARY

March 10, 2022

Dare I say its, EXTRAODDINARY?‍Stray Kids have returned with the release of their new mini-album, ODDINARY – a collection of seven songs that proclaim the message of embracing all of the things...

Read more
stayc main image

STAYC’S YOUNG-LUV.COM -- defying genres and taking over the world

March 7, 2022

It’s been two weeks since STAYC’s third mini album release YOUNG-LUV.COM, and we took this time to soak it all in and live our daydreams vicariously through this album. YOUNG-LUV.COM gives us that...

Read more

The Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

stayc main image

In a drama that has captured the attention of the video game community, Mick Gordon, the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software's studio director, Marty Stratton. The dispute, centered around the Doom Eternal Original Soundtrack (OST), sheds light not only on Gordon's personal grievances but also on systemic issues within the video game industry that merit closer examination.

 

Gordon's ordeal began with the release of Doom Eternal's Collector's Edition, which promised an OST composed by him. However, fans quickly noticed that only 11 of the 59 tracks were Gordon's work, leading to public outcry and a subsequent explanation from Stratton. Stratton's open letter on Reddit attributed the issue to Gordon's delays and incomplete delivery, suggesting that the studio's own audio designer had to complete the soundtrack.

 

Contrary to Stratton's claims, Gordon's 14,000-word statement, screenshots of conversations, and subsequent public comments paint a picture of a project marred by unrealistic expectations, poor communication, and a blatant disregard for the composer's professional integrity. Gordon describes an aggressive schedule that required composing music for levels that were either nonexistent or in unplayable states, leading to significant rewrites and wasted efforts. The crux of the issue, according to Gordon, was not just the immense task of meeting these demands but also the eventual misrepresentation of his contributions and the quality of the final OST.

 

Perhaps the most damning of the evidence are Gordon's allegations of financial mistreatment and Stratton's offer of a "six-figure sum" to keep quiet about the ordeal—an offer Gordon declined, stating, "the truth is more important." This statement, emblematic of Gordon's stance, underscores a commitment to integrity over financial gain, challenging the industry's often opaque operational practices.

 

The implications of Gordon's experience extend far beyond a single project. They highlight a troubling trend of mismanagement and lack of accountability within some of the industry's most revered institutions. The handling of the Doom Eternal OST not only affected Gordon's professional reputation but also betrayed the trust of fans and consumers who expected a product that both respected the game's legacy and its composer's artistry.

 

Critically, the controversy reveals the problem of undervaluing creative contributions in the video game industry. Composers, artists, and developers are often seen as replaceable parts in a larger machine, with their individual contributions obscured or undervalued in the service of corporate objectives. This perception can lead to a culture in the industry where artistic integrity and fair compensation are sacrificed for deadlines and profit margins.

 

Turning a blind eye to cases like Mick Gordon's is detrimental to the video game industry for several reasons. Firstly, it undermines the morale for collaboration essential to creating immersive and innovative gaming experiences. When talented individuals are mistreated or devalued, it not only affects their willingness to contribute to future projects but also sends a discouraging message to other creatives considering entering the industry. Secondly, it flattens consumer trust. Fans expect that the products they support are produced ethically and that the creative forces behind them are treated with respect. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, expressing indifference to unethical practices will only result in the continuation of such patterns. After all, without resistance, what will prevent companies from further exploiting their workers if they have already done so?

 

Moreover, the industry's reputation for crunch culture and exploitative practices is only further cemented by incidents like these. As gaming continues to be a prevailing form of entertainment, the sustainability of production while enforcing these practices is questionable at best. A shift towards greater transparency, fairer treatment of creatives, and a more equitable sharing of success is not just morally imperative but essential for the long-term health of the industry.

 

In conclusion, Mick Gordon's dispute with Bethesda and Id Software is a cautionary tale of what happens when corporate interests overshadow creative and ethical considerations. For the video game industry to continue thriving, it must prioritize the well-being and respect of its creative talents. Ignoring these issues not only does a disservice to individuals like Gordon but also risks the industry's future innovation and integrity. The time for change is now, in risk of losing even more than the music that powers our favorite gaming experiences.