Actions Speak Louder than Words

By Corey Dirrig
Twitter | Twitch

I didn’t think the blog post I came back with would be what you’re about to read. I thought that I would be writing something about game stories, a top ten list, something happening in the world, or memories of playing specific titles. This weekend I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. When Ed, Jesse, and I started Boss Rush Games, our goal was to promote positivity and inclusivity in an industry that seems to see less and less of it every day. “Play Games. Be Better” is our reminder to always lead with our best foot forward. We strive to give smaller creators a platform and less fortunate people a voice while creating a community that is positive and inclusive. We want to give back as a way to show our gratitude for what we have been given.

In the beginning stages of my journey as a creator, I always wanted to become the next King Gothalion, the next Kinda Funny, the next Giant Bomb. I was doing it for selfish reasons, wanting to be more like Greg Miller with a group of people like Kinda Funny instead of a group like MinnMax where they focus every week on getting better and building a community. It was why DNA failed and, as much as I tried talking myself out of it and placed the blame on others, is a lot of the reason Nerds Gone Rogue ended when it did. I was too proud and too selfish to see that my own team wanted something different from our content. Words were said on both sides, something I’m personally not proud of and I still think about daily. I lost friends–not just within the team but outside, too. For that, I sincerely apologize to Matt and everyone that was a part of the Nerds Gone Rogue family. 

Since then, I have done a lot of soul searching. I wanted to create, but I also wanted to change. The vision of how I created and the reasons I created had to change. Being selfish is human–I get that–but I don’t want to be defined by how selfish I was then. I want people to know who I am now. I have put more focus on my friends, peers, teammates, and those who want help or have something to say. It has brought me more satisfaction watching them all become more than watching the listener numbers rise. Being more open with our platform has led me to meet some really awesome people. It’s been really special to be a part of something that aims to change the way people view others, and, in return, I am unselfishly part of something greater than I initially set out to do. 

Boss Rush Games emphasizes “Be Better”: be helpful to those who need it and give new voices a platform to boost their content, goals, and positive messages. We are fortunate to be in that position, mostly because we’ve made a lot of friends who are willing to help us. We trust in the people we have as guests and as contributors to have the same goals and outlook that we do. We put faith and trust in people because we know how hard it is to grow as a creator. 

Though we have met some of the most amazing people through this project, it was inevitable that there would be a person or two that would not be who you thought they were. This past weekend, one of our recent contributors betrayed that trust we put in them. This contributor is no longer working with us, and all content this person was a part of has been scrubbed from our channels. Bullying, harassment of any kind, and unwanted sexual advancements won’t be tolerated here on Boss Rush Games. Our actions were swift, but I know it won’t fix the pain and negative emotions that were felt. For that, Ray, Meghan, and Josh, I am truly sorry, and to Jesse, Celeste, Edward, and DaShawn, I vow to be a better leader moving forward. 

As a leader, I promise I will do better in vetting our contributors and guests, but the goal of our platform is still what it has always been: giving good people and creators of all races, genders, sexualities, and messages a place to feel safe, to contribute, and to promote their content. If anyone ever feels unsafe or unwanted in our community, our team is here for you. I am here for you. 

Thank you so much for reading, and until next time, be better.

Corey