Focus Entertainment says it has filed formal legal complaints after an escalation in threatening messages aimed at members of its teams. The publisher has asked players to follow community rules and help maintain respectful spaces.
The company shared its warning on September 15 through Focus Entertainment posted a message to its players on social media and several Discord communities, including the server for Space Marine II. The reminder applies to fellow players, moderators, development teams and Focus staff.
Focus said its employees have dealt with toxic messages for years, but that a recent increase in threats prompted the legal action against players who directly threatened team members. The publisher behind Space Marine II and the Plague Tale series also stated that violent and sexist comments would not be tolerated.
Focus asked community members to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected and included. It said its online hubs should be places built around enthusiasm rather than hatred, expressed pride in its staff and reserved the right to take any necessary legal steps to protect them.
The statement does not explain what caused the latest rise in threats or identify the players involved. It also offers no further context about the complaints.
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This is not the first time a game company has responded publicly to abusive messages directed at staff. Sony recently introduced a policy intended to protect some support workers who had received increased threats and toxic communications after the controversial decision to end physical game production in 2028.
Focus’s message serves as a reminder that disagreement over games does not justify threats, harassment, violent language or sexist abuse. Players can keep communities welcoming by following conduct rules and reporting serious behaviour through the appropriate channels.
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