Truck Simulator Developer Caught in Anti-Vax Controversy After a Confusing Press Release

Sieeka Khan, Tech Times 23 January 2021, 05:01 am

video games — (Photo : Youtube/AyMazingATS) Hauling Hope anti-vax controversy

As experts are seeing the end of the coronavirus pandemic due to the advancement in the COVID-19 vaccine and the upcoming global distribution of it, video games are reflecting this optimistic future, but not without controversy.

The Hauling Hope event in American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2, sees that the players deliver the vaccines worldwide, according to PCGamer.

A press release for the Hauling Hope event from the developers SCS Software has led to people being confused regarding the company's views on vaccinations. The Czech company eventually has to clarify that they are pro-vaccination.

Truck simulator company's anti-vax issue

The original statement of the company reads that they do not take a stand neither for or against vaccines as they just wanted to express their appreciation and their support for every real truck driver out there who have been facing very challenging times since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Also Read: Craig Bouchard and States Band Together To Forward Sustainability In Commercial Trucking Sector

The press release, however, did state its support for COVID-19 lockdown measures, saying that they thought they might support the safety of their community if they provide them some entertainment that they might see as a good reason to stay home longer during these difficult times.

SCS Software had another press release in order to clear up the misunderstanding. The company explained that the initial statement about the vaccines was an error that happened because of a language and translation barrier.

The Prague-based company highlighted that it wanted to focus on the truckers, adding that no matter if the truckers stand for vaccines or are against them, they still have to work hard and that the company wanted to give them their 15 minutes of fame that are well-deserved.

Clarifying the anti-vax issue

Tomas Duda, the SCS Software producer, apologized on behalf of the company in response to TheGamer's coverage of the story. He stated that the company supports the efforts in the fight against COVID-19 and they hope for COVID-19 to be over soon.

SCS Software then sent out an email to different publications, clearing up the confusion. He added that they would like to clarify that they fully recognize the threats that are posed by the coronavirus, and that the effects and the turmoil that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused around the world.

Duda said that they have faith in science, and the way to move forward is to follow the recommended guidelines and to practice good hygiene, according to NewsTroopp.

Despite the effort of the SCS Software to avoid conflict, the press release backfired. Being neutral towards and sensitive topic in vaccinations, especially during a pandemic, has brought comparisons to anti-vax movement. While the company gave a definite pro-science statement, the Czech company did get caught up in a sensitive issue.

However, there are some concerns surrounding the different COVID-19 vaccines that had been developed, as the public found it sketchy that is developed this fast.

But this can be pointed out to the fact that the funding was increased by the government around the world, and private pharmaceutical companies that developed the vaccine already has the right technology.

While most of 2021 will be lost to focus on recovering from the pandemic, the vaccines are now being slowly distributed around the world to mark the start of the new normal.