Mewgenics Developer Addresses Voice Cameo Backlash: “I’d Be the Only One Meowing If I Only Included Like-Minded Voices”

Mewgenics, the tactical RPG roguelike centered around cat breeding, has stirred up some controversy during its launch week due to its extensive list of voice cameos. Among the diverse voices featured are several content creators, including podcast hosts Ethan and Hila Klein, who have publicly shared pro-Israel views regarding the ongoing conflict with Palestine. Hila, originally from Israel, was mandated to serve in the Israel Defense Forces at 18, though not in a combat capacity. Following some backlash on social media about their involvement, the developers have addressed the situation.

In a discussion with an outlet, developer Edmund McMillen shared that the impressive roster of meowers was built over several years, with Ethan Klein’s contribution being recorded four years prior to the game’s release.

“I wanted the game to showcase a wide range of iconic voices that I’ve encountered throughout my gaming career,” McMillen explained. “As some may have noticed, I took a rather eclectic approach to the cameos, striving to include a mix that would balance each other out.”

This balancing act involved bringing in individuals with differing perspectives, such as iDubbbz and Anisa Jombha, who have openly supported Palestine, to counterbalance voices like Klein’s. Notably, iDubbbz and Klein have been in a public feud following a video where iDubbbz criticized Klein’s stance on Israel. McMillen reached out to both parties before Mewgenics launched to ensure they were aware of each other’s involvement.

In light of the criticism directed at including Klein, McMillen expressed disappointment that some players might be “so put off by the idea of an inclusion of someone they don’t like so much that they will never play the game,” although he does not address the serious nature of the underlying conflict.

“I understand we live in a time where a meow from someone with differing beliefs can be seen as scary and frustrating, confusing and controversial…” McMillen remarked, “but I found it intriguing, so I decided to explore it. Also, I should mention that I don’t share the same opinions as, well, probably any of the people we included. If I only featured those who mirrored my exact views, I’d be the only one meowing in the game.”

McMillen noted that anyone bothered by a “problematic meow” would likely not enjoy Mewgenics anyway, but he added that if players do choose to engage with the game, they can simply toss any offending cat in the trash and continue their adventure.