Pirate Software Exits Ludwig’s Game Studio Amid Stop Killing Games Controversy

Twitch streamer Pirate Software has made headlines recently by announcing his departure from Ludwig’s OffBrand Games, amidst the escalating tensions surrounding his stance on the Stop Killing Games movement. This movement, launched by popular YouTuber Ross Scott, known as AccursedFarms, aims to challenge the legality of game publishers discontinuing support for video games.

The fundamental goal of the Stop Killing Games initiative is to put an end to the practice of publishers “killing”games after official developer support has ceased. This cause has garnered significant backing from gamers, yet Pirate Software has publicly criticized the movement as being “too vague” in its goals.

In light of his dissenting opinion, the game Rivals of Aether 2, which was developed by OffBrand Games and in which Pirate Software contributed, experienced a wave of negative reviews on Steam, an occurrence commonly known as review bombing.

Pirate Software’s Departure from OffBrand Games

In response to these review bombs, Ludwig addressed the situation, stating that Pirate Software had “no personal stake” in the title and expressed his dismay that the studio was being unfairly targeted for Pirate’s remarks. Subsequently, Pirate Software announced his decision to leave the company, citing the negative repercussions his views brought upon their projects.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he remarked: “I am no longer working at @offbrand_games. People were attacking all of the games we were publishing and trying to mass review bomb them.” He emphasized his stance, saying, “You can dislike the things I say, but this kind of behavior is unhinged. I learned a lot there and accomplished a lot; I hope they succeed regardless. Love those dudes and loved working with them. Hope they keep cooking.”

I am no longer working at @offbrand_games. People were attacking all of the games we were publishing and trying to mass review bomb them. You can dislike the things I say but this kind of behavior is unhinged. Learned a lot there, accomplished a lot, hope they succeed…

— Pirate Software (@PirateSoftware) July 3, 2025

Following his departure, Pirate Software addressed accusations claiming he fabricated the existence of these “attacks.” He clarified, stating, “For those trying to say this is now somehow a lie. The abuse was across socials, people on Discord, Twitter, Reddit, and some reviews on Steam.” He further expounded on the sensitive nature of indie games, remarking that the negative sentiment aimed at their titles is particularly damaging: “Overall sentiment was to bash the games and the developers working on them to get back at me. Not worth bringing them down for my opinion. Also, stop it, get some help.”

For those trying to say this is now somehow a lie. The abuse was across socials, people on discord, twitter, reddit, and some reviews on steam. Indie Games are fragile things and attacks like that hit hard. Overall sentiment was to bash the games and the developers working on…

— Pirate Software (@PirateSoftware) July 3, 2025

Ludwig expressed gratitude towards Pirate Software for his decision to step away, pointing out, “Stop Killing Games is a good initiative, but a few bad actors review bombed/harassed developers of the games we support at @offbrand_games. Appreciate [Pirate Software] stepping down for the betterment of the devs and their games.”

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