If the idea of an open-world sandbox game in space appeals to you, chances are you’ve heard of the 2D indie game Starbound. Updates have been happening fast and furious since the game launched in early access, and it’s become a huge hit in the indie scene.
Yesterday, however, lead designer Finn Brice announced over Twitter that high-octane development process would be delayed. Why? Stopping a sexual predator.
Delaying development to deal with a sexual predator targeting children. Just in case anyone is wondering
— Tiy (@Tiyuri) February 9, 2014
Details have been scant on exactly what went down. After the first ominous tweet, Brice went on to explain that the team was working with the authorities to snag someone who has been attempting to use the Starbound community to meet children. The person in question “has been permanently banned” and they’re “looking into how to proceed re:involving authorities,” community manager Molygos wrote on Reddit.
The unknown sexual predator is hardly the first to use video games to connect with unsuspecting children. Last year, CBC had reporter Gosia Sawicka posed as a 13-year old girl on the free-to-play Playstation 3 game Playstation Home. Within minutes, her online persona was accosted by propositions and requests to voice chat. Either way, it’s heartening to see the Chucklefish, the team behind Starbound, are actively working to stop attempts at exploiting minors. We’ll let you know if the story develops.
Image via Chucklefish
