To Whom it May Concern:
We writing to raise our concerns about an alternate art card which is currently being planned to be distributed at the “Festival of Fools” Game of Thrones LCG event on April 1st.
The card in question features the image of President Trump signing an Executive Order over the game text for the Building Orders plot. This combination is an explicit reference to the “Build the Wall” chant, which is used first and foremost as a rallying call for the denigration, exclusion, and removal of immigrants and minorities. In this context, we believe that this alternate art card will convey the same message of non-welcome to participants at this event -- or to any other event it turns up at afterwards. Allowing it to be present signifies to certain players that they are not wanted around. As such, it directly fosters an atmosphere of negativity, exclusivity, and antagonism to many potential participants.
While we cannot claim to speak for the entire player base, we have always felt that the AGOT community was an intentionally inclusive and accepting one. Tolerating a card which carries the implication of such opposing values will not only hurt the credibility of your event in this regard, but it will also risk besmirching the values of the greater Thrones community as well.
As such, we asking that
- The above parties disavow the offending alternate art card. Since this card was publicly advertised in conjunction with your event, even if it was without your knowledge, it seems advisable to do this publicly as well.
- Prevent any player from using exclusively divisive or antagonistic materials at your event. In this case, that would mean not allowing the promotion, use, or distribution of this particular card in relation to this event.
This zero-tolerance response is necessary in order to ensure that this event is welcoming and opening to all persons, and so that our community can remain one of inclusivity and camaraderie.
Thank you
Updates
March 22, 2017
The feedback from the community has been overwhelming. We are currently working on a formal follow-up to the event organizers regarding the implications of this card.
33 Comments
While I certainly cannot speak for FFG or give you legal advice, it seems to me personally that by making a political statement - intentional or not - with an alt art card, you could be going beyond "fair use" to a serious violation of copyright that could have FFG cracking down on alt art cards in general. So if you won't consider the potential political perceptions and consequences so many others have pointed out, please at least consider the potential legal consequences and what could happen to organized play across the community if you use FFG property to make this statement.
The Game of Thrones card game is something I do to connect with friends and disconnect from the real world around me. The terrible Executive Orders by Trump are not something I can joke about nor are they something I want to associate with a game I love. So in solidarity to my friends who will attend your event, I implore you to keep the horror of our politics out of the game. If you follow George R.R. Martin's blog, I'm sure you'll find he would agree. Thanks.
Gaming is supposed to be about bringing people together, in camaraderie and respect, where people of different backgrounds, socio-economic class, ethnicity, creed, and religion can come together as peers. This card does not foster that spirit. That the lessons and themes of George R. R. Martin's work have been entirely missed in order for this card to have been created is disappointing.
This is a fairly serious and divisive issue and does not really belong as part of the escapist GoT meta nor as being made light of in this context. Please rethink the distribution and use of this alt-art card. Thank you.
As a member of San Diego's meta this alt-art is in poor taste, can lead to political hostility, and can make players feel alienated. I hope the organizers decides to not move forward with the tasteless alt-art.
I was out of the game, and then I saw this card! I immediately went to my FLGS and bought the missing packs and box sets at the prospect of having this card in my decks! Great job Team bacon! I look forward to many great games using this alt - right alt - art card.
This sounds amazing. Where can we get these cards? Very funny and creative!
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To Whom it May Concern:
We writing to raise our concerns about an alternate art card which is currently being planned to be distributed at the “Festival of Fools” Game of Thrones LCG event on April 1st.
The card in question features the image of President Trump signing an Executive Order over the game text for the Building Orders plot. This combination is an explicit reference to the “Build the Wall” chant, which is used first and foremost as a rallying call for the denigration, exclusion, and removal of immigrants and minorities. In this context, we believe that this alternate art card will convey the same message of non-welcome to participants at this event -- or to any other event it turns up at afterwards. Allowing it to be present signifies to certain players that they are not wanted around. As such, it directly fosters an atmosphere of negativity, exclusivity, and antagonism to many potential participants.
While we cannot claim to speak for the entire player base, we have always felt that the AGOT community was an intentionally inclusive and accepting one. Tolerating a card which carries the implication of such opposing values will not only hurt the credibility of your event in this regard, but it will also risk besmirching the values of the greater Thrones community as well.
As such, we asking that
- The above parties disavow the offending alternate art card. Since this card was publicly advertised in conjunction with your event, even if it was without your knowledge, it seems advisable to do this publicly as well.
- Prevent any player from using exclusively divisive or antagonistic materials at your event. In this case, that would mean not allowing the promotion, use, or distribution of this particular card in relation to this event.
This zero-tolerance response is necessary in order to ensure that this event is welcoming and opening to all persons, and so that our community can remain one of inclusivity and camaraderie.
Thank you
Updates
March 22, 2017
The feedback from the community has been overwhelming. We are currently working on a formal follow-up to the event organizers regarding the implications of this card.
33 Comments
Either a gross statement of exclusion, or a tasteless mockery of something causing real hardship. Either way not something I want to see on the table.
While I certainly cannot speak for FFG or give you legal advice, it seems to me personally that by making a political statement - intentional or not - with an alt art card, you could be going beyond "fair use" to a serious violation of copyright that could have FFG cracking down on alt art cards in general. So if you won't consider the potential political perceptions and consequences so many others have pointed out, please at least consider the potential legal consequences and what could happen to organized play across the community if you use FFG property to make this statement.
The Game of Thrones card game is something I do to connect with friends and disconnect from the real world around me. The terrible Executive Orders by Trump are not something I can joke about nor are they something I want to associate with a game I love. So in solidarity to my friends who will attend your event, I implore you to keep the horror of our politics out of the game. If you follow George R.R. Martin's blog, I'm sure you'll find he would agree. Thanks.
Gaming is supposed to be about bringing people together, in camaraderie and respect, where people of different backgrounds, socio-economic class, ethnicity, creed, and religion can come together as peers. This card does not foster that spirit. That the lessons and themes of George R. R. Martin's work have been entirely missed in order for this card to have been created is disappointing.
This is a fairly serious and divisive issue and does not really belong as part of the escapist GoT meta nor as being made light of in this context. Please rethink the distribution and use of this alt-art card. Thank you.
As a member of San Diego's meta this alt-art is in poor taste, can lead to political hostility, and can make players feel alienated. I hope the organizers decides to not move forward with the tasteless alt-art.
I was out of the game, and then I saw this card! I immediately went to my FLGS and bought the missing packs and box sets at the prospect of having this card in my decks! Great job Team bacon! I look forward to many great games using this alt - right alt - art card.
This sounds amazing. Where can we get these cards? Very funny and creative!
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Either a gross statement of exclusion, or a tasteless mockery of something causing real hardship. Either way not something I want to see on the table.