LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The CEO of Big Ant Studios, Ross Symons, has responded sharply to criticisms regarding the recently released Rugby League 26 video game.
High-profile players, like Millie Elliott from the Sydney Roosters and State of Origin's Kennedy Cherrington, voiced their discontent over inaccuracies in their likenesses within the game and problems with gameplay mechanics, including player positioning and other issues.
Critiques have highlighted various concerns, such as retired players being rated too highly and incorrect stadium placements.
These issues have been actively discussed on social media, intensifying the backlash against the game's development.
In defending the studio's efforts, Symons remarked on the critical voices: "The ones that are talking should know better because, frankly, they've made statements that really are reasonably outrageous, because we have gone around the world, even to the north of England, just to scan women in game."
He emphasized the studio's commitment to women's sports, stating that "Eighty per cent of the sponsorship money goes to women's sport.
We take it extraordinarily seriously."
Symons explained that they made significant efforts to accurately capture the likenesses of NRLW players, noting, "We actually travelled to capture NRLW players specifically in captures up to Townsville and everywhere."
He added that players were given advance notice to ensure their appearances were authentic: "They were told, 'Please, please be at the shoot because if you're not at the shoot, you won't look like you'.
We were very clear."
Big Ant Studios is evidently aiming to address these issues while asserting their dedication to creating an accurate and representative rugby league experience.