Devolver Digital is None Too Pleased With the ESA, Loses $100k Over Rented E3 Lot

For the first time in the publisher’s relatively short history, Devolver Digital staged its first press conference at E3 2017.

And though the event itself went down overly well, the indie giant was forced to cancel its public Indie Picnic in the weeks leading up to E3 — a cancellation which wound up costing $100,000 — and has now hit out at Entertainment Software Association for alleged mistreatment.

Speaking to Polygon, Devolver co-founder Mike Wilson touched on the financial loss, and pointed the finger of blame toward the ESA: “E3 does not like us being here. We’ve always had a long-standing love-hate relationship. But not in a fuck-with-us kinda way, until this year. They just started making trouble for us with the City, saying, ‘How dare you rent this space out to these renegades, blah, blah, blah.'” He continued: “Obviously, they have a lot of sway with the city. Phone calls were made and threats. We were being bullied.”

A spokesperson from the ESA strongly denied any allegations, declaring Wilson’s complaints to be a publicity stunt: “We’ve got better things to do than worry about Devolver,” said the source.

What do our readers make of this saga?

[Source: Polygon via GamesIndustry.biz]

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