A provocative billboard has captured the attention of game developers, industry insiders, and passersby alike. Featuring the exaggerated visage of Gunther Harrison, the fictional CEO of Alta Interglobal in the upcoming game Revenge of the Savage Planet , the billboard boldly asks, “Has a Harrison fired you lately? You might be eligible for emotional support.” The message is clear: this is a pointed jab at Phil Harrison, the former Google executive whose controversial tenure at the tech giant’s short-lived Stadia cloud gaming service left many developers feeling betrayed.
The billboard, spotted by industry publication VGC, marks a bold move by Raccoon Logic, the studio behind Revenge of the Savage Planet. Formerly known as Typhoon Games, the Montreal-based developers were abruptly laid off in 2021 when Google shuttered its Stadia Games & Entertainment (SG&E) publishing imprint. Now, armed with the rights to their beloved Savage Planet franchise, Raccoon Logic is taking aim at the man they blame for their misfortune—and the broader fallout from Google’s ill-fated foray into game publishing.
A Legacy of Betrayal
Phil Harrison’s journey through the gaming industry reads like a cautionary tale. Hired by Google in 2018 to spearhead its ambitious Stadia initiative, Harrison quickly became the public face of the nascent cloud gaming service. At the time, Stadia was heralded as the future of gaming, promising gamers everywhere the ability to stream high-quality games without the need for expensive hardware. Harrison’s appearances on stages like GDC 2019 reinforced this vision, with bold declarations about the service’s potential.
But beneath the hype lay a series of missteps and miscalculations that would eventually doom Stadia. By early 2021, Google had shuttered SG&E, leaving hundreds of developers suddenly unemployed. Among those caught in the crossfire were the creators of Journey to the Savage Planet , a quirky sci-fi adventure game that had been billed as a Stadia exclusive. Just as the game launched, the developers found themselves out of a job, joining the ranks of other displaced talent across the industry.
The layoffs extended beyond Typhoon Games. By the end of 2022, Google had folded Stadia entirely, leaving behind a trail of broken promises and shattered careers. For many developers, the experience was traumatic, marked by uncertainty and disillusionment. Raccoon Logic, in particular, felt the sting of betrayal acutely, as they had been promised the resources to create groundbreaking, platform-defining content for Stadia. Instead, they were left scrambling to rebuild their careers.
From Typhoon to Raccoon Logic
In the aftermath of Google’s collapse, Typhoon Games reemerged as Raccoon Logic, thanks in large part to investment from Chinese publishing giant Tencent. This reinvention allowed the team to reclaim their intellectual property, including the Savage Planet franchise, and chart a new path forward. Now, as they prepare to launch the sequel, Revenge of the Savage Planet , the developers are channeling their frustrations into satire.
Gunther Harrison, the over-the-top caricature of Phil Harrison, embodies the absurdity and hubris of corporate gaming executives. His inflated ego, coupled with his disregard for the creative process, mirrors the perceived attitudes of those who promised grand futures but delivered empty promises. The billboard’s message, “We got fired by him as well!” speaks volumes about the shared grievances of developers who felt abandoned by Google’s lofty ambitions.
A Donation to Mental Health
Raccoon Logic’s campaign extends beyond mere mockery. The billboard includes a QR code that directs visitors to a promotional page for Revenge of the Savage Planet , where they can learn more about the game and its creators. The page also features a poignant message: “We got fired by him as well!” Accompanying this is a promise to donate to the Canadian Mental Health Association for each person who scans the billboard. As of this writing, the total donations stand at just under $2,500.
This charitable gesture underscores the developers’ commitment to addressing the mental health challenges faced by their peers in the industry. The sudden layoffs and career disruptions caused by Stadia’s collapse took a toll on many, leaving them grappling with anxiety, depression, and financial insecurity. By directing attention to mental health resources, Raccoon Logic is not only drawing attention to their own struggles but also advocating for systemic change.
Phil Harrison’s Legacy
Phil Harrison’s tenure at Google is remembered as a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From his early days at Sony, where he presided over the troubled launch of the PlayStation 3, to his stint at Microsoft during the Xbox One’s rocky rollout, Harrison has long been associated with ambitious yet flawed projects. His departure from Google in 2023 marked the end of an era, but the scars left by Stadia remain.
Harrison’s public profile diminished after 2020, as he faded from promotional duties and eventually left the company altogether. Since then, he has kept a low profile, with no new ventures announced on his LinkedIn page. While his contributions to the gaming industry are undeniable, his legacy at Google is marred by the painful memories of Stadia’s collapse and the human cost of its failure.
A New Dawn for Raccoon Logic
For Raccoon Logic, the launch of Revenge of the Savage Planet represents more than just a return to form. It’s a statement of resilience and defiance, a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. The developers’ decision to confront their past head-on, through both humor and activism, speaks to their determination to reclaim their narrative.
The game itself promises to deliver the same irreverent charm and wit that made Journey to the Savage Planet a cult favorite. Set in a vibrant, procedurally generated world, Revenge of the Savage Planet invites players to explore, survive, and laugh in the face of absurdity. It’s a fitting metaphor for the developers’ journey, as they navigate the complexities of rebuilding their careers and reclaiming their creative voices.
The billboard in Union Square serves as a rallying cry for those who felt wronged by Google’s Stadia experiment. By targeting Phil Harrison and the broader failures of the service, Raccoon Logic is not only seeking closure but also raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by game developers. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to remember the human element—the stories of those who poured their hearts into projects that ultimately fell short.
Revenge of the Savage Planet is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of community. For Raccoon Logic, it’s a chance to rewrite their own story, one that honors their past while embracing the future. And for Phil Harrison, it’s a reminder that even the mightiest empires can crumble when they fail to listen to the people who built them.
Add Comment