Former PlayStation PR Exec Joins Stellar Blade Developer as Global PR Director, Faces Backlash Over DEI Background

Summary

Jerome Benzadon, former head of public relations at PlayStation, recently announced his new role as Global PR Director at Shift Up, the South Korean developer behind Stellar Blade. The appointment quickly sparked heated reactions within the gaming community. Upon reviewing his LinkedIn profile, players discovered that Benzadon explicitly listed "product & corporate PR" with a focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), along with an emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. Concerned about the potential impact on the studio's future direction, many fans of Stellar Blade flooded the social media accounts of Shift Up founder and game director Kim Hyung-tae to voice their opposition. This controversy highlights the highly sensitive nature of DEI discussions in the gaming industry today and how closely players are monitoring the choices made by game studios. While hiring a seasoned public relations executive might ordinarily be seen as a positive step for expanding into Western markets, the reaction demonstrates the growing rift between certain segments of the player base and industry professionals who emphasize progressive social initiatives. This incident not only affects Shift Up's public image but also serves as a reminder to other developers to carefully consider community sentiment when making key appointments. The outcome could shape how the…