Target: Edmund McMillen, Co-creator of Mewgenics
Goal: Stop the promotion of breeding and commodification of cats in video games and advocate for adoption instead.
The video game Mewgenics presents a troubling depiction of cats, treating them as mere commodities for breeding and battles. Players navigate a chaotic world that arguably trivializes the real suffering experienced by countless homeless cats. Furthermore, the game’s mechanics seemingly endorse a mindset that disregards the individuality of these animals, casting them instead as part of a flawed entertainment model that promotes the idea of ownership over the lives of sentient beings.
The game’s developers have expressed awareness of the questionable morals involved in breeding cats, acknowledging that it leads to the suffering of animals. Yet, the game continues to perpetuate this problematic portrayal, sending a damaging message that cats can be bred for entertainment without understanding the consequences that follow—namely, increased homelessness and suffering among real cats. The acknowledgment by developers that breeding leads to health issues and shortened lives further compounds the ethical dilemma presented by the game.
This petition demands that the developers of Mewgenics take responsibility for the message their game conveys about cats. Suffering caused by irresponsible breeding practices in real life cannot be reduced to entertainment. It is imperative that the message of loving and adopting cats be prioritized over the current commodification of their lives.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. McMillen,
The gaming community looks to Mewgenics not only for entertainment but also for values that shape perceptions of animals in society. The portrayal of cats as commodities within your game is deeply concerning, as it contributes to a culture that overlooks the suffering caused by breeding. While the mission of your character Tracy is commendable, advocating for cats’ rights, the existence of a game premised on their commodification sends a contradictory and harmful message.
It is essential to recognize the impact of using animals as mere game elements. The acknowledgment that breeding leads to suffering and health issues for cats highlights the moral chasm present in the game’s mechanics. By continuing to own the narrative that treats cats as commodities, the game fails to promote the compassionate treatment that real animals deserve.
We urge you to reconsider the portrayal of cats in Mewgenics and advocate for adoption rather than breeding. Embracing this change would not only align with the ethical treatment of animals but also inspire players to make compassionate choices in real life, ultimately fostering a culture of respect for all living beings.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
