Why You Should Buy Shadow Complex

Shadow Complex is a great 2-D side-scroller action and exploration game set in the universe of Orson Scott Card's novel Empire (you can see my review here). Due to the politics of Orson Scott Card, many have talked of boycotting the game due to the royalties he receives for every sale. Here are five reasons not to boycott the game.

It's a fun game
The best reason to buy Shadow Complex despite Orson Scott Card's involvement is that it's a great game. Do you really want to allow Orson Scott Card to get in the way of you enjoying Chair's hard work and creative efforts? Boycotting Shadow Complex because of Orson Scott Card's involvement is letting him prevent you from having a good time.

He doesn't get much money anyway
Orson Scott Card really doesn't get much in royalties per sale of Shadow Complex, so boycotting the game really doesn't do much to hurt Orson Scott Card. It does hurt those at Chair and Epic, who worked hard on this game to make it as great as it is. Instead of only boycotting the game, why not give $15 to one of the groups that actively oppose him; that way boycotting Shadow Complex actually serves a significant purpose.

By buying this game, you help make great downloadable games more likely in the future
Think back to last year, when downloadable games were afterthoughts and most gamers only bought them when they had nothing to do and some extra money to burn. After releases like Braid and Castle Crashers during the summer of arcade sold well, developers started to realize that downloadable games could be a big deal too. If Shadow Complex fails to do well, or even fails to exceed sales of previous games, developers are going to continue to think of downloadable games as a dangerous risk, making them less likely in the future.

Why not do something else?
Instead of boycotting a great game that doesn't deserve to be punished because Orson Scott Card gets a few pennies each sale, why not instead do something to actively support those who politically oppose him? This way, instead of missing out on a great experience, you can enjoy Shadow Complex while knowing you actively opposed Orson Scott Card.

Shadow Complex is a great game that doesn't deserve to be missed because of political disagreements. In America we are all entitled to opinions so please consider whether or not to boycott Shadow Complex carefully.