TL;DR
Following the disclosure of a 2020 criminal conviction involving lead developer Xerxes Sangco, publisher 2080 Games dropped Tactical Assault VR. Ghosts of Tabor also severed its association, citing concerns over the developer’s past.
Publisher 2080 Games has ended its partnership with Tactical Assault VR after discovering that its lead developer, Xerxes Sangco, was convicted in 2020 of attempting to solicit a minor for prostitution. Ghosts of Tabor also announced the removal of all Tactical Assault content, citing concerns over Sangco’s criminal history. This development follows recent revelations about Sangco’s past, which have led to widespread industry and community reactions.
In 2020, Xerxes Sangco, known online as Jarvis, was arrested in Nevada after communicating with an undercover officer posing as a fifteen-year-old prostitute. Clark County court records show he pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor of conspiracy to solicit or engage in prostitution and was required to register as a Tier 2 sex offender until August 2022, when he completed probation. 2080 Games issued a statement on X, confirming it was aware of Sangco’s past and had decided to terminate its publishing agreement with Tactical Assault VR. Ghosts of Tabor’s developer, Combat Waffle Studios, announced on Discord that it was removing all Tactical Assault content and promotional material, emphasizing that the development team was not responsible for Sangco’s actions.
Neither Sangco nor HammerFire Interactive, the developer behind Tactical Assault VR, has issued an official statement as of now. The incident has prompted industry-wide concern and questions about due diligence in development partnerships.
Industry Impact of Developer Background Disclosures
This incident highlights the importance of thorough vetting processes in the gaming industry, especially when developers have criminal backgrounds. The swift severing of ties by publishers and partners reflects a growing intolerance for associations with individuals convicted of crimes involving minors. The decision to cut ties may influence future collaborations and industry standards regarding background checks and transparency.
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Background on Xerxes Sangco’s 2020 Conviction
In the summer of 2020, Xerxes Sangco was arrested in Nevada after attempting to meet a person he believed was a fifteen-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover officer. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to solicit prostitution, resulting in a sentence of up to twenty months probation and mandatory sex offender registration. His registration was lowered in August 2022 after completing probation. The incident was publicly reported and has since resurfaced as a point of concern for the gaming community and industry stakeholders.
“We became aware of the past incident involving the developer of Tactical Assault VR and have decided to terminate our publishing agreement.”
— 2080 Games
Unanswered Questions About Developer Involvement
It remains unclear whether Sangco’s criminal history was known to the Tactical Assault VR team prior to the recent disclosures or if any other individuals involved were aware. The extent of Sangco’s role in the game’s development and whether any content has been affected are also still unconfirmed. Additionally, no official statements have been issued by Sangco or HammerFire Interactive.
Next Steps for Tactical Assault VR and Industry Watch
Further investigations may reveal more details about Sangco’s involvement and the development process. Industry stakeholders are expected to review vetting procedures and possibly implement stricter background checks. The community and potential players will be watching to see if the game will be re-released or if new partnerships will be formed. Updates from Sangco or HammerFire Interactive could clarify the future of Tactical Assault VR.
Key Questions
Will Tactical Assault VR be re-released after this controversy?
It is currently unknown whether the game will be re-released or if the development team plans to address the controversy publicly.
Did the publisher or studio know about Sangco’s past before this revelation?
There is no confirmed information on whether Sangco’s criminal history was known prior to the recent disclosures.
What impact could this have on other game developers and publishers?
The incident may lead to stricter background checks and vetting procedures in the industry, emphasizing accountability and transparency.
Has Sangco made any public statement regarding the allegations?
As of now, neither Sangco nor HammerFire Interactive has issued an official response.
How is the community reacting to this news?
The community’s reaction is mixed, with concern over the implications for trust and safety in game development partnerships.
Source: UploadVR
