Smite Players Remember Hi-Rez’s Cringe Celebrations Around Paragon Shutdown

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As a diehard Smite fan, I found myself reminiscing about an embarrassing chapter in gaming history that’s indelibly linked to Hi-Rez Studios – the premature farewell to Paragon, our beloved action-packed MOBA. The memory of their awkward celebration still lingers, bringing cringes instead of cheers.

Recalling the events, I can’t help but think about that controversial promotional video they released at the time. It seems like many gamers are still discussing Hi-Rez’s questionable decisions surrounding Paragon, and the overall sentiment isn’t something you’d want to showcase in a ‘Best Moments’ montage. Instead, it felt more like an awkward moment that spread uncomfortable laughter and disbelief across the gaming community.

Summary

  • The Hi-Rez celebration of Paragon’s shutdown was considered poorly timed and in bad taste by many in the gaming community.
  • Players expressed nostalgia for Paragon and discontent toward Hi-Rez’s lack of sensitivity during the shutdown.
  • Comments varied from humorous retellings of cringe to sincere disbelief about the tone-deafness of the situation.
  • The mixed feelings seem to imply that while some players may have enjoyed Smite, they held Hi-Rez accountable for their questionable PR choices.

Why the Cringe Factor?

As a gamer reflecting on the past, I can’t help but feel a wave of disbelief when the topic of Hi-Rez’s cringe-worthy moment arises. A fellow community member, TraumaHunter, aptly summed up our shared feelings by saying, “It’s unusual for game developers to celebrate others’ pain, but perhaps this was during the ‘good times’ before the wave of layoffs.” Essentially, if Hi-Rez had shown more empathy towards the developers and fans who poured their souls into Paragon, that video might have landed differently. With the gaming industry experiencing its share of heartbreaking closures, their celebratory tone seemed not just off-key, but bewildering to those of us who remember the strong bonds within our gaming community.

Fond Memories of Paragon

Reflecting on their times with Paragon, a sense of nostalgia emerged. Though the game no longer exists, its players continue to remember it as an “extraordinary” adventure that they genuinely yearn for. User dokdodokdo expressed this longing in a casual way, saying, “Paragon was so great I still miss it occasionally.” Many users highlighted the distinctive gameplay of Paragon which left a lasting impression, indicating that while they enjoy Smite, Paragon holds a special spot in their hearts. These heartwarming recollections stand in stark contrast to Hi-Rez’s attempt at humor when announcing its end.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Fan reactions demonstrated an emotional rollercoaster, with laughter followed by serious acknowledgement of mistakes. A commenter named ExtremeGrand4876 specifically noted, “Their videos are good, but they try too hard to be funny.” This type of feedback suggests a larger problem: although Hi-Rez has a distinctive marketing approach, not all attempts hit the mark, especially when the subject matter is sensitive. It appears many fans wish that more effort had been invested in strengthening their existing communities rather than celebrating missteps. The irony here is palpable for those who remember the poignant feelings surrounding the shutdown of Paragon.

A Brief Apology and the Aftermath

Following the initial criticism, Hi-Rez reacted quite swiftly, a fact that some community members couldn’t help but recall, given their past experience with the company’s quick reversals. For instance, one observer pointed out, “They made an inappropriate joke and apologized on the same day.” This rapid response underscores the delicate balance game developers must maintain between marketing and sensitivity. However, even after an apology was issued, some fans like ZombieBillyMaize still felt that the incident left a lasting impression on their fandom. It’s not just about this specific instance; it’s a reflection of the company’s broader approach towards community interaction.

The rehash of Hi-Rez’s awkward jubilation over Paragon’s shutdown isn’t merely a humorous tale; it’s a moment frozen in time that illustrates how community feelings can undergo dramatic changes due to corporate decisions or omissions. Although many players continue to cherish Smite, their sentiments towards Hi-Rez are frequently colored by a veil of mistrust or dissatisfaction. Essentially, this episode underscores the significance of appreciating the emotional terrains that gamers traverse and navigating the complexities of belonging to a community that values both its games and the developers who create them. It’s a lesson steeped in humility, cloaked in cringe, leading the gaming world on an emotional rollercoaster ride into their next escapade.

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2025-05-03 13:46