CD Projekt Red (CDPR) Franchise and Lore Designer Cian Maher recently came under intense scrutiny for a series of inflammatory remarks directed toward the gaming community, including what appears to be a voiced desire to physically assault them.
Transitioning from a career in gaming journalism to a high-level position at one of the industry’s leading AAA developers, Maher’s statements have ignited significant debate about the relationship between game developers and their audience.
CDPR Franchise and Lore designer Cian Maher sitting for an interview – YouTube, SmashJT
Maher’s career began in gaming journalism, where he worked as an Associate Editor before rising to the position of Lead Features Editor at TheGamer.com.
YouTuber SmashJT described TheGamer as, “A site I’ve personally felt has become the breeding ground for some of the worst, most spite-filled hateful people in the video game industry media.”
Since joining CD Projekt Red, Maher has made several remarks that many perceive as dismissive and antagonistic towards gamers.
In July 2022, he shared a meme with the caption, “I am once again asking for you to stop being toxic little weirdos,” which many interpreted as a direct insult to the gaming community.
@ gamers pic.twitter.com/sJ67QpbSTg
— Cian Maher (@cianmaher0) July 1, 2022
Earlier, in June 2021, Maher mocked gamers by claiming, “Law school being easier than dealing with gamers says everything anyone needs to know about this gig lmao,” suggesting that interacting with gamers was an undue burden.
Perhaps the most alarming of his statements came in January 2020, when Maher directly expressed a desire to “punch gamers,” indicating a willingness to physically assault his customer base. This remark starkly highlights his extreme frustration and hostile attitude towards the very audience that supports CDPR’s games and it can be viewed in the image below.
CDPR Lore Designer Cian Maher in 2020 stating on Twitter that he wanted to punch gamers – YouTube, SmashJT
Additionally, in December 2020, he dismissed criticism of games journalists by questioning their commitment, stating, “If you think this job is so incredibly well-paid (it’s not) and easy (it’s not), why don’t you just do it yourself?”
As should come as no surprise, Maher has associated frequently with former Kotaku Senior Editor Alyssa Mercante, as showcased by YouTuber Vara Dark in the video below.
The CD Projekt Red Franchise & Lore Designer that wants to punch gamers, who is a former TheGamer journo, has responded to Alyssa a few times… 🤣 pic.twitter.com/lwUYAj2D0D
— Vara Dark (@Vara_Dark) December 20, 2024
READ: Former Kotaku Editor Alyssa Mercante’s Social Media Content Vanishing Ahead of Smash JT Lawsuit
These statements collectively paint a picture of Maher as someone who not only dismisses constructive criticism but also harbors a deep-seated animosity towards gamers.
Maher’s criticism extends beyond gamers to broader industry practices, particularly regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring policies.
He has been a vocal advocate for DEI within the gaming industry, often going so far as to disparage those who question these policies. In a May 2022 thread, Maher asserted, “If you claim you can’t get a job because you’re straight and white, I’m sorry — you can’t get a job because you’re sh***.” This was perceived by many to be a direct attack on individuals who feel marginalized by DEI initiatives.
CDPR Franchise and Lore Designer Cian Maher – YouTube, SmashJT
Furthermore, Maher emphasized the importance of diversity in editorial teams, stating, “Diversity is absolutely essential to hiring in editorial today. How can you claim to accurately or meaningfully cover anything if your team is just a bunch of dudes who all look the same having beers in the office?”
“Hiring diversely means you can’t just hire one person and call it a day,” he continued. “Outlets categorically need people from all different backgrounds and cultures if they want any chance of offering worthwhile commentary on the zeitgeist.”
Maher’s statements have not gone unnoticed within the gaming community and beyond. Critics argue that his approach undermines the relationship between developers and their audience, potentially alienating a significant portion of CDPR’s customer base. His hostile remarks toward gamers risk creating a rift between the company and its fans, many of which are already enraged at CDPR over its decision to make Ciri the primary protagonist of The Witcher 4 over Geralt.
Ciri as a witcher in The Witcher 4 – YouTube, IGN
This could have long-term implications for CDPR’s reputation and sales.
While Maher champions DEI initiatives, which aim to create a more inclusive and representative workforce in theory, many opposing voices believe that should hire based on merit alone. Prioritizing qualifications, skills, and experience ensures that companies maintain a high standard of performance and innovation, irrespective of an individual’s gender, age, or race.
Overemphasis on diversity metrics can, according to many, lead to a diluted workforce where hiring decisions are influenced by factors other than competence and suitability for the role. This perspective emphasizes that merit-based hiring not only preserves the quality of the workforce but also fosters an environment where employees are valued for their contributions rather than their demographic characteristics.
A screenshot from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015), CD Projekt Red
Cian Maher’s tenure at CD Projekt Red highlights the complex interplay between developer attitudes, community relations, and workplace diversity initiatives. His controversial statements have ignited a broader discussion about the appropriate way to engage with the gaming community and the role of DEI in shaping company culture.
Are you surprised that CDPR hired a lore designer that seems to hate gamers? Do you believe that Cian Maher actually wants to physically assault customers? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
UP NEXT: Mark Hamill’s Unhinged Interview: Star Wars Star Caught in Trump Derangement?
