Abubakar Salim, the creative director behind Tales of Kenzera: Zau has re-entered discourse surrounding his game following a renewed discussion over Sweet Baby Inc’s involvement.

Released in April of this year, Tales of Kenzea: Zau is a self-described metroidvania inspired by traditional Bantu culture.

The game was quickly criticized for the involvement of Sweet Baby Inc, a narrative consultancy firm which became controversial following a harassment campaign against Steam user Kabrutus who runs the curator “Sweet Baby Inc. Detected” and now DEI Detected (short for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

However Salim has admitted that a dislike of Sweet Baby Inc. is a valid reason not to like his game, what appears to be bothering him the most are the racist comments he’s received on social media in the wake of his game’s launch.

I’m quote sharing this as there seems to be a narrative of “if you don’t buy my game, you’re a racist” being spread which is not true.

Let me clarify – if you do not buy Zau for reasons like SBI involvement or because you the look didn’t appeal to you, that’s you and all good.… https://t.co/ovIRWLSYfL

— Abubakar Salim (@Abzybabzy) October 20, 2024

Salim’s openness to feedback and good-faith discussion has resulted in a mix of criticism and support from both sides of this latest culture war zeitgeist.