Why SMITE Fans Are Calling for Stewart Chisam’s Resignation

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The neighborhood associated with the game SMITE is buzzing with unhappiness as players express their anger and dissatisfaction due to recent layoffs at Hi-Rez Studios, the company responsible for the game. The sudden departure of important team members, several of whom were instrumental in creating SMITE 2, has created a wave of discontent among the player base, leading to demands for Stewart Chisam, the company’s leader, to step down. A Reddit post titled “Stewart Chisam, it is time for you to resign” by user Snufflebox reflects the feelings of many, detailing a history of poor management that has led to mistrust in leadership. As players observe the talented individuals behind their cherished game being let go without proper explanation, emotions range from fury to sadness, leading one to wonder: can this upheaval be resolved, or is a significant shift in leadership necessary?

### Summary

  • The community is very vocal about their discontent with recent layoffs at Hi-Rez Studios.
  • Players perceive Stewart Chisam’s leadership as detrimental, citing several failed projects and poor communication.
  • Many believe that the current management structure is leading to a decline in SMITE and dissatisfaction among both players and developers.
  • The sentiment is one of urgency for change, with calls for Chisam to resign echoing through the community.

As a passionate SMITE player, I’ve been left feeling pretty disappointed by the recent layoffs at Hi-Rez. Snufflebox pointed out that some key figures behind SMITE 2 were among those let go, which is troubling given they were just seen at major events like Vegas LAN not long ago. The sudden shift has made us all wonder about the game’s trajectory and what this means for its future. A fellow player, SUPERB-tadpole, summed it up well when he said, “whatever SMITE 2 needs to thrive, Stew just can’t deliver.” It feels like the dedication and effort of the core team is being tossed aside as a casualty of poor leadership. This sense of betrayal echoes throughout our gaming community as we come to terms with not only losing our favorite developers, but also questioning Hi-Rez’s vision for the game.

Critique of Chisam’s Leadership and Hi-Rez’s Decisions
Many users on the post express a range of opinions regarding Chisam’s leadership at Hi-Rez, particularly focusing on a series of decisions perceived as questionable. Dalhinar_draws attention to the company’s production of less successful titles such as DKO, Realm Royale, and Rogue Company, which some argue have depleted resources that could have been utilized for improving SMITE. There’s a growing concern that the company’s financial mismanagement is putting SMITE, a cherished franchise, in a vulnerable position. Another user emphasizes the negative impact of “trimming away at community/public aspects” of their products, revealing frustration not only about the layoffs but also about broader issues within the company. It seems they are concerned not just about losing personnel, but about the apparent lack of strategic planning that appears to disregard the very factors that led to SMITE’s initial success.

Challenges Facing Hi-Rez Leadership
The problematic aspect of this situation is the perception that there’s little accountability within Hi-Ok_Shame_5382 even suggests, “Stewart has been serving his superiors for more than two decades,” hinting that loyalty and tenure might override performance and skill. The hierarchical structure at Hi-Rez leaves players feeling disempowered, as they suspect that as long as Chisam remains in his position within the company, the issues will continue unresolved. Numerous comments throughout the post suggest a repetitive leadership team, leading many to call for “new leadership at Hi-Rez,” as it seems past choices are unlikely to bring about a shift in their management style.

The recent uproar among players signifies an immediate need for improved communication from the company about SMITE’s future direction after layoffs, as highlighted by Greypilgrimahum who notes the significant role community engagement played in SMITE 1’s success. However, the current turbulence has left many feeling disconnected from the developers due to reduced community support and a lack of transparency regarding Hi-Rez’s plans. This has sparked a wave of anger among players, with reactions ranging from shock and disbelief to determination, as some warn that without management intervention, the game may lose its player base.

Although SMITE players remain passionate about the game, many of them sense a contradiction between their loyalty and what they perceive as betrayal by its management. This tension is brought to light by commentators voicing disappointment over the developers’ dedication and creativity, contrasted with the company’s stringent decisions. As the community unites under the slogan “Stew, Resign,” there is a growing doubt about whether SMITE can continue on its successful path under its current leadership. Players seek an atmosphere where their opinions are valued and the game flourishes without being hindered by internal conflicts.

It appears that the current predicament involving Stewart Chisam and Hi-Rez Studios has reached a critical juncture. Fans are pressing for transparency and responsibility from those in charge, as they feel they’ve poured too much effort into the community to stand by idly while it disintegrates due to questionable decisions. Despite an unpredictable future, there is one undeniable fact: the SMITE community is yearning for change and are determined to make their dissatisfaction heard in the halls of Hi-Rez leadership until their voices resonate throughout the corridors of power.

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2025-02-07 02:01