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In today's digital age, the voice of the community has never been stronger. In the gaming world, I see how the collective power of individuals banded together can lead to significant change. This has been especially true over the past few months on the game distribution platform Steam.
Much like the United Methodist denominational connection, Steam reviews showcase the power of people united by a common purpose. This article explores how these two seemingly unrelated worlds reflect the same underlying principle: unity and collective action.
And All The People Said “No”
Helldivers II, a popular cooperative shooter, recently found itself at the center of a controversy. In a move many players found restrictive, Sony, the company behind PlayStation, required users to have a PSN ID to play the game. While getting an ID is free, it’s impossible in certain countries, meaning entire people groups would no longer be able to play a game they loved.
This decision did not sit well with the game's community. In response, fans took to Steam, one of the most influential platforms for gamers, to express their displeasure through a method known as review bombing.
Review bombing involves leaving a large number of typically negative reviews in a short period of time to lower the game's overall rating and draw attention towards an issue. The backlash was swift and overwhelming. Players voiced their frustrations, highlighting how the PSN ID requirement disrupted their gaming experience and existing culture. The sheer volume and intensity of the negative reviews caught Sony's attention, forcing the company to reconsider its stance.
Faced with mounting pressure from a univocal community, Sony decided to walk back the PSN ID requirement. In a year with many layoffs in the gaming industry, this was a clear victory for the consumer's voice. When people band together, their combined voices can influence even large corporations to change their policies.
And All The People Said “Stop”
In contrast to the Helldivers II situation, the recent developments surrounding Hi-Fi Rush showcase a different form of community action. Microsoft announced the closure of several studios, including Tango Gameworks, the creators of the surprise hit Hi-Fi Rush. This news shocked and dismayed fans who had come to love the unique rhythm-action game. It was even a contender for many awards, including Game of the Year nominations.
Instead of resorting to negative reviews, the Hi-Fi Rush community took the opposite approach. Fans flooded the game's Steam page with overwhelmingly positive reviews, expressing their admiration for the developers and their discontent with Microsoft's decision. This wave of positivity was a stark contrast to the typical review bombing seen in negative contexts.
While the positive reviews did not reverse Microsoft's decision to close the studios–a move that would be impossible this late in the closure process–they sent a powerful message. The community's support boosted the developers' morale and highlighted their work's importance. In a time of rampant layoffs and industry instability, this solidarity offered hope and recognition to those affected.
The United Methodist Connection
The proverb "a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12)" encapsulates well the strength found in unity. This ancient wisdom, often attributed to King Solomon, who was gifted wisdom directly from God, emphasizes that individuals are stronger together than apart. This concept is echoed in the Apostle Paul's teachings about the Body of Christ, where he encourages believers to remain in the community and support one another by encouraging and building each other up in humble servanthood.
Just as a threefold cord gains strength from its intertwined strands, communities gain resilience and power from their members' unity and support. Whether gamers band together to influence corporate decisions or religious congregations provide mutual support, the principle remains the same: unity is strength.
The United Methodist Church exemplifies a connectional denomination rooted in John Wesley’s theology. Wesley emphasized the importance of collective and social faith and mutual support among believers. His structure of the church network of classes, societies, and conferences is a clear antecedent of this line of thinking. This connectional system allows Methodists to remain united, which "enables us to carry out our mission in unity and strength" (Book of Discipline, ¶ 701).
“Connection” in the United Methodist Church means that all churches and members are interconnected. This structure enables the church to mobilize resources, support each other, and work together towards common goals. It reflects the belief that the church is not just a collection of individuals but a community bound together by faith and purpose.
Today, this system is more relevant than ever. In a world where individualism often takes precedence, this connective tissue serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and mutual support. This has been most recently shown in our quadrennial General Conference in Charlotte, NC, where the gathered body of delegates made numerous landmark decisions on behalf of many United Methodists from across the globe. It demonstrates that, like in gaming, people can achieve remarkable things when they unite for a common cause.
A Call for Unity
Steam reviews and the United Methodist connection illustrate the power of community and network. Unity and collective action significantly impact whether in digital spaces or religious settings. The stories of Helldivers II and Hi-Fi Rush show how gamers can influence corporate decisions and support developers, while the United Methodist connection exemplifies how faith communities can provide mutual support and work together for the greater good.
Let this be a call to action, and we should lean on each other and harness the strength found in the community. Whether you're a gamer, a member of a religious community, or anyone who believes in the power of unity, remember that together, we are stronger. In our walk to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, let us embrace the power of collective action and make our voices heard.
Nathan Webb is a major nerd in just about every way. He loves video games, anime, cartoons, comic books, tech, and his fellow nerds. Hoping to provide a spiritual community for people with similar interests, he founded Checkpoint Church--"the church for nerds, geeks and gamers." Nathan can be found lurking on some visual novel subreddit, reading the latest shōnen entry, or playing the newest Farm Sim. Nathan is an ordained provisional elder in the United Methodist Church in the Western North Carolina Conference. He hosts a weekly newsletter podcast: To The Point.
