Los Angeles, CA – A YouTube content creator, Luke Wild, known for his channel SwitchStars focusing on critiquing subpar games on the Switch eShop, has recently uploaded a video alleging an attack on his channel orchestrated by the Moldovan software publisher Midnight Works. In the video, Wild reveals messages he purportedly received via Discord, suggesting that Midnight Works employees were instructed to file false reports against his YouTube channel.
According to Wild, the messages from alleged Midnight Works whistleblowers outlined a scheme urging employees to submit multiple harassment reports on his videos, with specific instructions on how to do so discreetly. Wild claims to have observed a surge in channel disruptions following the alleged instructions, further fueling his suspicions of foul play.
Furthermore, screenshots shared by Wild depict these instructions originating from Midnight Works’ Slack channel, with the company’s Human Resources manager listed as the sender and multiple employees as recipients. Midnight Works’ website boasts a team of over 240 individuals, leading to concerns about the scale of the alleged attack against Wild’s channel.
In response to previous unsuccessful copyright claims filed by Midnight Works against SwitchStars, Wild highlights the anonymity surrounding harassment reports, emphasizing the challenges in combating such covert tactics employed by the publisher. Despite seeking comments from Midnight Works, the company has yet to provide a response to Wild’s allegations.
This incident with Midnight Works is not the first time Wild has encountered issues with the publisher. In a previous interview, Wild discussed the proliferation of questionable games flooding the Switch eShop, shedding light on the prevalence of ‘scam’ and ‘keyword bingo’ titles associated with Midnight Works and other similar companies.
Wild’s video and allegations have sparked discussions within the gaming community, raising concerns about the ethical practices of publishers targeting content creators. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for creators navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation, showcasing the potential risks of exposing questionable practices within the industry.
As the gaming industry grapples with issues of transparency and integrity, Wild’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by creators in maintaining autonomy and combating adversarial tactics employed by companies seeking to silence criticism. The ongoing dialogue surrounding this incident underscores the importance of vigilance and community support in safeguarding the integrity of content creation platforms.