In a recent turn of events, Pearl Abyss, the developer behind the popular MMORPG Black Desert Online, is facing criticism for allegedly banning streamers without proper evidence and relying on public opinion. The controversy arose when a top Korean streamer known as the “Red Dragon” was permanently banned from the game for suspected macroing.

The initial ban was triggered by a clip from the Red Dragon’s stream that appeared to show macroing, leading to public outcry and demands for action. Pearl Abyss conducted an initial investigation and cleared the streamer of any wrongdoing. However, due to community pressure, the company temporarily banned the Red Dragon and initiated a second investigation with third-party legal counsel.

After a thorough two-week investigation, Pearl Abyss permanently banned the Red Dragon from Black Desert Online. The situation took another turn when another content creator, named Baedon, attempted to replicate the scenario to expose what he believed to be unjustified bans. Baedon used a wireless keyboard to simulate macroing, revealing what he claimed to be a lack of proper investigation by Pearl Abyss.

The controversy highlights concerns about the company’s handling of bans based on public opinion rather than conclusive evidence. Critics argue that streamers, who invest significant time and money in the game, should not face bans without thorough investigations. The situation has sparked discussions about the potential harm to the game’s reputation and the impact on content creators’ livelihoods.

Some members of the gaming community expressed dissatisfaction with Pearl Abyss’s approach, criticizing the company for potentially empowering malicious actors who could exploit the reporting system. The incident has also raised questions about the transparency and reliability of Pearl Abyss’s investigation methods.