Bioshock 2 Developer David Pittman Threatens To End Indie Developer Derek Rumpler’s Career

John F. Trent |

Feb 27, 2020

Bioshock 2 developer David Pittman threatened to end indie developer Derek Rumpler’s career over a disagreement that initially began over the length of games.

The argument began with Pittman, who is currently developing The Blackout Club, stating that he believed “video games should only be 2 hours long” in a now-deleted tweet.

Interestingly enough he did develop Bioshock 2 and even recently described it as “my favorite game development experience.”

Hey, it’s BioShock 2’s 10th anniversary. That was my favorite game development experience. Learned so much from the team, got to iterate and improve on a game I loved, and was given the opportunity to grow as an AI programmer (which was my career goal at the time). RIP 2K Marin.

— David Lindsey Pittman (@dphrygian) February 9, 2020

Rumpler, who is the founder of Alkterios Games LLC, responded writing, “If this is how you think, then maybe video games aren’t the hobby for you? Or just play shorter games. There are plenty of indie games that have a few hours of playtime. Not everything needs to cater your limited interests.”

If this is how you think, then maybe video games aren’t the hobby for you? Or just play shorter games. There are plenty of indie games that have a few hours of playtime. Not everything needs to cater your limited interests. https://t.co/peQhGHCn89

— Derek Rumpler (@DerekRumpler) February 26, 2020

In a separate thread, Pittman would write, “Real hot take: video games should not validate far-right viewpoints.”

Real hot take: video games should not validate far-right viewpoints. https://t.co/sBIZ4reaXP

— David Lindsey Pittman (@dphrygian) February 26, 2020

When asked if he could think of any, Pittman responded, “I’d argue that most AAA FPS games with real gun brands and fake enemies are pushing a far-right view.”

I’d argue that most AAA FPS games with real gun brands and fake enemies are pushing a far-right view.

— David Lindsey Pittman (@dphrygian) February 26, 2020

Rumpler would criticize this viewpoint as well.

He writes, “This tweet right here exemplifies the quality of this Twitter account. No more highlighting it from me. I’m as left as one can be but even I realize “real gun brands means you’re a Nazi” is a horrible take.”

This tweet right here exemplifies the quality of this Twitter account. No more highlighting it from me. I’m as left as one can be but even I realize “real gun brands means you’re a Nazi” is a horrible take.https://t.co/RHBpJOGYTT https://t.co/lh1ptF7KuH

— Derek Rumpler (@DerekRumpler) February 26, 2020

Pittman would respond, “You sure are making a big leap there, dude. Maybe stop mentioning me.”

You sure are making a big leap there, dude. Maybe stop mentioning me.

— David Lindsey Pittman (@dphrygian) February 26, 2020

To which Rumpled replied, “You chose to reply and I am allowed to quote tweet you. Literally nothing you post on Twitter belongs to you. Review the TOS.”

You chose to reply and I am allowed to quote tweet you. Literally nothing you post on Twitter belongs to you. Review the TOS.

— Derek Rumpler (@DerekRumpler) February 26, 2020

And that’s when Pittman decided to threaten to end Rumpler’s career as a game developer.

He responded writing, “::rubs temples:: I’m trying to be better than ending someone’s career with a tweet, but you’re making it very difficult. Gamedev is a small industry, and most of us are older than you and have different opinions than you. If you can’t cope in that environment, you will not last.”

::rubs temples::

I’m trying to be better than ending someone’s career with a tweet, but you’re making it very difficult. Gamedev is a small industry, and most of us are older than you and have different opinions than you. If you can’t cope in that environment, you will not last.

— David Lindsey Pittman (@dphrygian) February 26, 2020