What is the Stellar Blade Hard “R” and why was it controversial?

The highly anticipated action game Stellar Blade from Shift Up was already embroiled in controversy before its launch due to the portrayal of its protagonist, Eve. But soon after its release a second controversy erupted, over a seemingly harmless piece of graffiti that included an offensive line.

What is Stellar Blade Hard “R”?

In the game’s capital of Xion, a wall had the words “HARD” spray painted on it, and a sign reading “R Shop” atop it. Taken together it created the word “Hard R,” which may be interpreted as a racial slur.

Although the graffiti was quickly patched by Shift Up (with the “HARD” being replaced with “CRIME”) the damage was already done and caused a backlash within the gaming community.

Why is the Hard “R” Controversial?

The insult “Hard R” is offensive because it describes the end of a racial slur with an “R” sound. This particular slur continues to be a historically derogatory phrase against African Americans and it is rooted in institutional racism and discrimination.

Given the phrase’s sensitivity, its accidental inclusion in Stellar Blade cast doubts on how games should reflect and accommodate different viewpoints. Some claimed this particular incident demonstrated a greater cultural awareness and sensitivity in the gaming industry in terms of race, ethnicity and underrepresented groups.

Sony’s Response and the Gaming Community’s Response

Stellar Blade publisher Sony quickly acknowledged the issue in a statement, explaining that the game’s Korean development team, Shift Up, had no plans to create offensive art. The company said it would remove the graffiti in a day-one patch.

But the controversy didn’t end there. Some in the gaming community claimed that journalists and critics “censored” Stellar Blade while others claimed the incident emphasized the need for diverse representation and inclusion in game development teams.

The Role of Inclusion and Diversity in Game Development

The Stellar Blade Hard “R” controversy serves as a reminder of the need for greater inclusion and diversity in the gaming community. The incident was unintentional but served to highlight the danger of cultural blindspots and the need for multiple viewpoints in the creative process.

By being diverse and inclusive, game developers can better address the issues and emotions of other communities. This not only prevents accidental offenses but also adds variety to the gameplay through different storylines, characters and viewpoints.

While the gaming industry will continue to evolve, it must be inclusive within its staff and in its storytelling and creative processes. By doing so it can provide deeper and more meaningful experiences to a broader audience and develop a far more inclusive gaming world.