Rogue Company’s Reaction to the Dr Disrespect Controversy
In a sudden revival from a long hiatus, Rogue Company developers Hi-Rez Studios took significant steps in response to the controversy surrounding Dr Disrespect. Following allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors, the decision was made to remove all content related to the controversial streamer from the game.
Dr Disrespect’s Influence on Rogue Company
Dr Disrespect, a well-known figure in the gaming community, was substantially involved with Rogue Company in its early days. The streamer collaborated with Hi-Rez Studios to design his own in-game map and skin, creating a special character for fans. This partnership put Rogue Company in the spotlight and added to its initial success.
hey, @RogueCompany appreciate yall taking away the ability to use my @DrDisrespect skin that was $40 that I paid for.
no excuses or reasons to revoke access to something I paid for.
— Dom (@letsk1lltonight) July 5, 2024
However, things took a turn for the worse following revelations of inappropriate messages exchanged between Dr Disrespect and minors. This led numerous partners, including Turtle Beach and Midnight Society, to cut ties with him. The gaming landscape changed drastically, compelling Rogue Company to act in kind.
Scandal and The Decision to Remove Content
The controversy surrounding Dr Disrespect and his subsequent admission of guilt regarding inappropriate messages thoroughly shocked the gaming community. This has had a ripple effect on his business partnerships. Hi-Rez Studios, recognizing the magnitude of the situation, decided to remove all Dr Disrespect-related content from Rogue Company.
Hey Rogue Company, we have disabled Dr. Disrespect content previously available on game. We will provide full Rogue Buck refunds to any impacted account this week.
— Rogue Company (@RogueCompany) July 7, 2024
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rogue Company disclosed that all Dr Disrespect content had been disabled. “We will provide full Rogue Buck refunds to any impacted account this week,” said the developer’s official handle. This action marks the first update since October 2023, catching both fans and critics by surprise.
Community Response: Mixed Reactions
The community’s response has been a mix of understanding and outrage. Many players who had purchased the Dr Disrespect skin expressed their frustration over receiving Rogue Bucks—an in-game currency—instead of real monetary refunds.
How about you refund us with fucking money
— 𝕹𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖔𝖑𝖆𝖘 𝕯𝖊𝕺𝖗𝖎𝖔 (@nicholasdeorio) July 7, 2024
Some voiced their unwillingness to use the in-game currency, labeling it as practically worthless given the game’s current inactivity. “Give me back my money. I don’t want to buy your other crappy skins,” said one angry player. Another highlighted the game’s lack of updates, making the situation even more frustrating.
Hirez won’t even buy them a $100 checkmark 💀😂 but they’re going to give everyone back $40 in useless digital currency, for a dead game… who can’t afford a $100 checkmark.
— jj🟠 (@JarretNoDegree) July 7, 2024
Impact on Rogue Company’s Future
Rogue Company’s decision to cut ties with Dr Disrespect points to a broader cultural shift in the gaming industry, where accountability is increasingly becoming a central theme. While the move was received with backlash regarding the refund method, Hi-Rez Studios’ stance is clear: they are no longer affiliated with the controversial figure.
Despite the backlash, some praised Rogue Company for taking action. This has raised questions about whether this long-dormant game can rejuvenate itself by staying relevant amid controversies.
Give me back my money. I don’t want to buy your other crappy skins.
— Sir Ghost thee 2nd (@MrGhOstDa2nd) July 7, 2024
Final Word
The controversy surrounding Dr Disrespect has undeniably tarnished his reputation and affected his business ventures deeply. As for Rogue Company, the way forward seems uncertain. By promptly reacting to the controversy, they may have set a precedent for handling similar situations, but whether this will improve the game’s current standing remains to be seen.
To put it simply, Rogue Company has made a significant decision in an attempt to distance itself from a problematic figure, but it continues to face challenges from an increasingly dissatisfied player base.
Deepika 
Divya