The latest patch for Domina features balance fixes, optimized visuals... and Covid-denying dating advice. In a post that is still on Steam, the developer behind the gladiator management simulator decided to make inaccurate claims about both the spread of disease and women, stating that taking off your "FCKN [sic]" mask will get you laid.Domina's recent reviews are mostly negative, as both newcomers and longtime fans of the game hit back against the developer using patch notes to push their own agenda. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as a look at the dev's social media pages makes it clear that this isn't the only time he's shared inaccurate and sometimes disturbing views."TAKE OFF THE FCKN MASKS", the patch notes state. "Next time you're at the grocery store, try showing a woman your face. Be confident, unafraid of the LIES -- you might get a girlfriend."It doesn't end there. "Women like confidence. Women don't like dudes who cover their faces in fear. What are you afraid of? Getting laid? Grow up."The game dev goes by the name Nic on most social media. A look at his YouTube channel, which also shares Domina's trailers, is pretty revealing. In a video titled "Bread and Circuses 2020", classical music plays as what appear to be right-wing protestors attack liberal and left-wing activists. As the music continues, we see disturbing scenes of cars running over crowds of people, and even the infamous instance in which a cop pushed over an older man at a Black Lives Matter protest, knocking him unconscious as he bleeds on the sidewalk. In another clip, a driver assaults a pedestrian completely unprovoked.
The dev shares similar content on their Twitter account, mostly pertaining to anti-vaccine rhetoric. In one instance, they say they would like to "face Justin Trudeau in combat". The account also features rants against democracy, feminism, and George Soros.
The game itself has also attracted criticism. As some reviews highlight, the dev apparently removed content from Domina to resell as DLC. Players that have racked up a fair amount of hours in the game are quick to call the dev out for that practice, as well as the anti-mask rant.
Negative comments are flooding the Steam page and the game's Twitter account. Even as numerous players say they will be refunding the title, the dev is yet to respond. Well, outside of bitter replies to angry comments anyway.