The former Microsoft creative director is best known for his dismissive comments regarding Xbox One’s “always-online” requirement.
Adam “#dealwithit” Orth will be giving a speech that explores “toxic online behavior” and why he left Microsoft at this year’s GDC Next. The content of his speech is somewhat ironic, considering the controversy that arose following his own toxic Twitter comments telling opponents of “always-online” to “deal with it.”
“Sorry, I don’t get the drama around having an ‘always on’ console. Every device now is ‘always on’ #dealwithit”
While the initial comment doesn’t seem all too toxic, what angered a lot of gamers was Orths dismissive, almost insulting follow-ups to legitimate concerns regarding always-online. When critics presented the argument that a considerable percentage of the population has zero or poor internet coverage, Orth said “Those people should definitely get with the times and get the internet. It’s awesome,” adding “Why on earth would I live [in a place with poor internet coverage]?”
Orth subsequently resigned from Microsoft following the controversy. Whether the resignation was entirely Orth’s decision or “encouraged” by Microsoft is unknown.
The “always-online” requirement was just a rumor at the time. Although it did turn out to be true, Microsoft has recently done a one-eighty on that decision following considerable public and critical outcry. Microsoft can probably thank Orth in part for at least some of that outcry.
Orth will give a talk titled “Mob Rules: The Destructive Power of Opinion and Online Community.” GDC Next takes place November 5-7, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Source: Game Politics
