An Open Letter to the Development Team – Reflections on the Vote and Broader Concerns
First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support from players worldwide for Chinese Airport—a response far beyond what I ever anticipated. I’m equally moved by the passion of the Chinese aviation community, which has evidently captured the attention of the development team. This compels me to share my perspective.
As a veteran player of three years, I’ve observed growing discontent within Chinese forums and platforms regarding certain policies. Alarmingly, some individuals have begun advocating for harmful actions, such as promoting pirated versions of the game or flooding official channels with malicious posts. Should your team encounter such behavior, I urge you not to mistake these isolated acts for the stance of Chinese players at large. I can confidently assert that 99% of us remain deeply passionate about this game and hold immense respect for the developers’ dedication.
The current situation, catalyzed by the voting event, reflects a culmination of long-standing tensions. Resolving these issues requires collective effort—from both the development team and players, especially the Chinese community. However, the solution lies not in destructive actions that undermine fairness or community harmony, but in sustained dialogue and mutual understanding of each party’s core concerns.
To the development team: My heart goes out to you for the unfair treatment you’ve endured. It’s disheartening to see your labor disrespected or even trampled upon. I recognize that these challenges stem from multifaceted issues—game protection mechanisms, platform account policies, and the complexities of managing a diverse player base like China’s. We are eager to collaborate, to understand your priorities, and to leverage our influence within Chinese communities to advocate for your concerns while addressing misconduct more rigorously.
Yet, as a Chinese player, I must also voice my community’s frustrations. China, as the world’s second-largest economy and third-largest aviation market, boasts a rich aviation culture. Despite this, our legitimate expectations have often been met with silence or inadequate responses. Chinese players simply seek fair and objective acknowledgment that the majority are willing to invest—both financially and emotionally—in this game.
We fully acknowledge that with 20% of the global population, unique internet policies, and the inherent challenges of moderating such a vast user base, issues like piracy and illicit transactions are inevitable. These are not unique to your game but endemic to many digital platforms operating in China. The path forward, we believe, involves:
- Curbing Hostile Rhetoric: Refraining from generalized, antagonistic remarks about Chinese players in official communications.
- Recognizing Positive Contributions: Acknowledging the sizable contingent of Chinese players who actively enrich the game’s ecosystem.
- Transparency on China-Related Plans: Even preliminary discussions about potential China-focused content (e.g., airports) would foster goodwill and a sense of inclusion.
Mutual respect and clarity of expectations are prerequisites for progress. I hold your team in the highest regard, and it’s my hope that this message helps bridge the gap in understanding. Let us work together in this 3.0 era to resolve these legacy issues, ensuring this already outstanding game achieves its destined classic status.
With sincere best wishes—may providence guide your efforts, and may our shared passion prevail.
Shepherd from China in 2024/04/27