In a shocking turn of events, TinyBuild, the current publisher of Deadside, has come under fire following allegations of shadowbanning game servers for seemingly arbitrary reasons. Recent leaks, including a damning chat conversation, suggest that private server owners may be unknowingly shadowbanned—particularly if their servers fail to attract new players. This practice has left many server owners feeling blindsided and betrayed, as they face restrictions without any prior warning or explanation.
The Leaked Conversation: Evidence of Shadowbanning
The controversy erupted after a leaked conversation from [REDACTED] revealed troubling policies regarding server management. According to the leaked messages, servers have been shadowbanned for numerous questionable and, in some cases, unlawful reasons. The practice does not appear to be tied to consistent player growth, but rather stems from arbitrary and unjustified actions by TinyBuild staff.
No Terms of Service or End-User License Agreement (EULA)
What makes this situation even more controversial is the absence of a clear Terms of Service (TOS) or End-User License Agreement (EULA) for Deadside. Without these foundational documents, TinyBuild is operating in a legal gray area. These agreements typically outline acceptable server practices, including rules around monetization, modifications, and server management. Without them, server owners are left without guidance or a framework to adhere to, and TinyBuild’s enforcement of unwritten “rules” raises serious questions about the fairness and transparency of their policies.
Implications of the Lack of Rules
The lack of a TOS or EULA means server owners technically have free rein to operate their servers as they see fit, including implementing pay-to-win mechanics or monetizing their servers in other ways. This absence of regulation gives server owners broad freedom but also leaves them vulnerable to arbitrary enforcement actions by TinyBuild. The leaked chats suggest that TinyBuild is creating and enforcing “rules” on a whim, leaving server owners in an untenable position where they can be punished for infractions that were never clearly defined.
The Impact on Server Owners
Server owners are understandably frustrated. Many have invested significant time, money, and effort into building and maintaining their servers, only to find them shadowbanned without explanation. For smaller communities, these actions can be devastating, as shadowbanning effectively renders their servers invisible to potential new players.
One server owner stated:
“I’ve spent months creating a welcoming community, but now my server is practically invisible. How can they punish us for breaking rules when there are no rules to begin with?”
TinyBuild’s Troubled History
This isn’t the first time TinyBuild has been accused of questionable practices. The company has faced criticism in the past for allegedly mishandling community relations and failing to provide adequate support for their games. This latest incident adds fuel to the fire, further tarnishing their reputation in the gaming community.
Community Backlash and Calls for Accountability
The leaked revelations have sparked outrage across the Deadside community, with many players and server owners demanding transparency and accountability from TinyBuild. Forums and social media are flooded with calls for the company to implement a clear TOS or EULA to prevent further abuses of power.
A Reddit user commented:
“This is a slap in the face to everyone who has supported Deadside. Without proper guidelines, TinyBuild has no right to dictate how servers are run.”
What Needs to Change
The situation highlights the urgent need for TinyBuild to:
- Implement a Clear TOS and EULA: Establishing clear rules for server operation would provide transparency and prevent arbitrary enforcement actions.
- Provide Communication and Support: Server owners need to be informed if their servers are at risk of being shadowbanned and given an opportunity to address any issues.
- Reconsider Shadowbanning Policies: Transparency around the criteria for shadowbanning is essential to rebuilding trust within the community.
Conclusion
TinyBuild’s alleged shadowbanning practices have left Deadside server owners feeling powerless and betrayed. Without a clear TOS or EULA, the company’s actions appear arbitrary and unfair, undermining the trust of the very community that supports the game. The player-base is leaking and more are leaving rather then staying. The lacking staff of Tinybuild has ruined the game completely and milked it to the last drop.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether TinyBuild will address these concerns or continue down a path that many see as detrimental to Deadside’s long-term success. One thing is clear: the community is demanding answers in which they will never get, and TinyBuild must act decisively to restore faith in their stewardship of the game by selling the game back to its original owners. The family i trust, bad pixel.
