Anime Enthusiasts Push for Boycott as Crunchyroll Shutters Store and Limits Access to Physical Merchandise

In The Black is a new space combat sim that is “laser focused on the pilot experience” – this being the one, entirely justifiable and indeed, pleasantly grisly usage of “laser focused” I have ever encountered, while quoting a press release. It’s the work of Impeller Studios, a company led by Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance gameplay and story lead David Wessman and MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries director Jack Mamais. Those are certainly the right CVs for the job. I imagine they called the studio “Impeller” because some actual military aviation company already owns the trademark on “Overheating Flying Coffins R Us”.

You play as a probably short-lived mercenary pilot, scrapping for credits in the shadow of Saturn and Mars, sometime in the 23rd century. There are orbital stations to defend, debris fields to scour, and asteroids to hopefully not crash into. On which note, the Steam page makes a big deal of the game having realistic physics. There’s a demo as of writing if you’d like to try it out. Or you can watch the developer’s intro to that demo.

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### Tackling Hygiene Concerns in Card Game Tournaments: An Appeal for Cleanliness

In the realm of competitive card gaming, players frequently come together in close quarters, participating in exhilarating matches. Nevertheless, recent occurrences have brought to light a matter that, though often unaddressed, impacts the enjoyment and success of these events: hygiene.

Chronos Games & Gifts, a cherished indie card game store in Beaverton, Oregon, recently faced a challenging choice. Due to numerous complaints about players’ hygiene, the shop was compelled to pause a weekly **Yu-Gi-Oh** tournament. The management communicated this issue in a public statement to their community, highlighting the necessity of upholding proper hygiene in communal areas.

#### The Hygiene Protocols

The store’s choice spotlighted Konami’s hygiene protocols, established in 2019, intended to tackle what has been informally referred to as the “anime tabletop stink.” These protocols clearly direct players to ensure both their personal cleanliness and that of their attire. Players who fail to adhere may encounter repercussions, including requests to remedy the situation immediately or removal from the tournament altogether.

Despite these clearly defined regulations, reports of unpleasant odors at gaming events continue. A significant incident in 2024 involved a participant departing a **Yu-Gi-Oh** tournament due to overpowering body odor from other players, igniting a dialogue on social media about the gravity of the issue.

#### Community Reaction

The reaction from the gaming community has been varied. Some players show awareness and endorsement for maintaining cleanliness, acknowledging the value of a pleasant environment for everyone. Others, however, respond defensively to the conversation, often trivializing hygiene concerns as unnecessary or minor. This disconnect might arise from the gaming culture itself, which can occasionally overlook social norms in favor of a more laid-back or informal atmosphere.

#### The Significance of Cleanliness

Beyond simple comfort, following hygiene standards is crucial for a healthy gaming community. Inadequate hygiene can create an uncomfortable setting, leading to reduced attendance over time as players choose to steer clear of the unpleasantness. Furthermore, it can create an exclusionary environment, discouraging participation from individuals who might feel uneasy in close proximity to those who disregard their hygiene.

For card game shops like Chronos Games & Gifts, which aim to cultivate an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere, it becomes essential to uphold these hygiene standards. Education and advocacy within the community, paired with strict enforcement of existing policies, can effectively address these challenges.

#### Concluding Thoughts

As participants gear up for their upcoming tournament, it’s crucial to keep in mind that a simple action—showering and donning clean garments—can greatly improve the experience for everyone involved. By committing to hygiene practices, players contribute to a more inviting and enjoyable environment for all, ensuring that card game events remain spaces of friendship and competition, unhindered by distractions that detract from the essence of the game.

### The Contentious PvP Component in *Arc Raiders*

Since the debut of *Arc Raiders*, the PvP (Player vs. Player) aspect has ignited persistent discussions among its players. While numerous gamers value the possibility for player interactions to generate tension and thrill, others argue that it detracts from the game’s fundamental premise—of a select few courageous individuals striving to gather resources in a challenging environment. This debate is particularly heated due to the behavior of a former professional gamer, Taylor “THump” Humphries, who has gained notoriety for his aggressive play style that often targets casual gamers.

THump has become well-known during his Twitch broadcasts, where he partakes in what many describe as griefing—regularly eliminating gamers who are ill-equipped for battle. His streams have highlighted prolonged gameplay where he takes pleasure in ambushing other players, showcasing a stark difference from the more tranquil interactions usually promoted within the game. In one notably long stream exceeding 13 hours, THump’s primary focus was on taking out players at crucial moments when they were least ready to defend themselves.

As detailed by *IGN*, THump, a prior professional competitor in titles like *Apex Legends* and *H1Z1*, appears to indulge in this behavior for entertainment purposes. His aim seems to center on relishing the shock and disappointment of other players, raising ethical concerns about his gaming style. Although technically, he operates within the confines of the game’s systems—considering that *Arc Raiders* includes PvP features—his tactics have elicited reactions ranging from amusement to outrage from viewers and players alike.

Despite a predominant belief that gaming should promote positive and cooperative experiences, THump’s behavior starkly contrasts this notion. His in-game remarks often reflect irony as he enjoys the disorder he instigates. Feedback from players he defeats underscores a widespread feeling of exasperation; numerous individuals express disbelief over the evident lack of sportsmanship exhibited during moments that were intended to be more harmonious.

The situation intensified when THump posted clips on social media displaying his predatory strategies, provoking significant backlash from other players who condemned his attitude. Some contended that his actions epitomized a toxic facet of gaming culture, where the enjoyment derived from inflicting distress on others overshadows the spirit of competition and collaboration that most gamers aspire to.

Conversely, THump’s supporters might contend that he is merely exercising the freedoms afforded by a game that incorporates PvP components. Many believe that this tension is vital for crafting an exhilarating gaming experience, allowing players to forge temporary alliances or engage in betrayal, thereby enriching the overall gameplay. It underscores a community that, at its core, should permit personal choices regarding engagement, whether through collaboration or competition.

The wider implications of THump’s actions reveal a distinctive aspect of *Arc Raiders* as a PvP game. Notably, a considerable segment of the player community seems to favor a non-violent approach, focusing on cooperative tactics over aggressive maneuvers. This inclination to interact peacefully, even amid game mechanics that allow for violence, sharply contrasts with a previously cutthroat PvP environment.

This contrast has turned THump into a polarizing figure—symbolizing a more chaotic style that opposes the values cherished by many players seeking a community-oriented experience. Yet, his stature serves as a reminder to the gaming community about the significance of player choice and the varied ways individuals derive enjoyment from multiplayer scenarios.

In conclusion, the ongoing conversation regarding the PvP dynamics in *Arc Raiders*, amplified by THump’s exploits, raises essential questions about the future of gaming culture and the nature of player interactions in multiplayer contexts. Whether viewed as an annoyance or a crucial element of gameplay, these dynamics reflect broader themes of resilience within communities that prioritize collaboration and support, even when faced with provocation.