CEO’s Justification on Pride Event Cancellations

Jagex’s newly appointed CEO, Jon Bellamy, faced backlash earlier when an anonymous employee accused him of bowing to pressures against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by scaling back Pride Month in RuneScape. The cancellation of these events was framed as a necessary step to maintain the game as a safe space for queer players. Bellamy stated that the presence of Pride content has become controversial and poses risks that he is responsible for mitigating.

Bellamy reiterated his stance in a recent interview, suggesting that similar tough decisions may arise for future Pride Months, saying, “Ultimately, my job is governance and protection, and sometimes harsh decisions are required to safeguard the game’s future.”

Critics voiced their dissent through a campaign dubbed “No gay, no pay” protesting against the decision to cancel the festivities. However, Bellamy remains firm that the operational integrity of the games must be maintained in a politically neutral manner.

He acknowledged the evolving world, stating, “If the situation changes, we’ll adapt our strategies accordingly.” Despite his claims of offering escapism to players, the reality behind the decision raises questions about how Rainbow communities within RuneScape perceive their place in Jagex’s vision moving forward.