Very much appreciate the response on this, even if it’s not what I wanted to hear.
I do understand - as much as I can without being in your shoes - why you wouldn’t want to communicate with the community as in the past. This is definitely not a one-way street and there are, I believe, errors on both sides. I can’t imagine getting death threats over a Match 3, but I can imagine that would steer me away from wanting to respond more personally to posts.
I do hope that there can be some sort of middle ground. Streams are much, much more difficult to go through than forums for news, even if streams are available afterwards. Forums are made for this type of discussion; streams or VODs are hours of content mixed all together. I truly understand that streams are by far an easier platform to be more personal on, and I don’t think that can or should change.
I do, however, think that interaction on the forums could be done in a slightly different way that would be majorly beneficial to the community. I believe it is possible to have a little more interaction and personality here, and a little can go a long way. The toxicity of these forums is absolutely not okay, and mutes/bans would be helpful for weeding out those who can’t refrain from personal attacks and threats.
The fact that you and I can’t have a discussion about crucial game directions such as what many players feel is the “recent” shift in focus from content and gameplay to almost entirely monetization is upsetting; you did not make mention of this anywhere in your response. Again, I don’t blame you, and I understand this sort of interaction is your policy at the moment. I really hope that there can be steps taken to have that change, though. You are, after all, in charge of communications here, and solid and constructive communication can’t happen without, well… communication, no?
I want to emphasize once again that I am not trying to jab you or blame you or your team. I very well might do the same thing were I in your position. As a member of this community, though, I see how this communication style is hurting the community, adding on to the negativity and hostility, and causing players to leave. This is my favorite mobile game, and I’ve been here for years. I want only the best for GoW, you as the devs, and for the community.
I don’t think this communication style is what’s best for anyone, and I would love to have a discussion about how to improve the communication and toxicity.
This, for example, is at very least a lovely conversation-starter by @AMT!