TL;DR
Following the revelation of a 2020 conviction for child solicitation, Tactical Assault VR’s publisher and partner studios have ended their associations. The developer, Xerxes Sangco, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to solicit prostitution involving a minor.
Publisher 2080 Games and Ghosts of Tabor have severed their ties with Tactical Assault VR developer Xerxes Sangco after confirming his 2020 conviction for child solicitation. This development follows the disclosure of Sangco’s criminal record, which has led to immediate fallout in the VR gaming community and among business partners. The move underscores the importance of vetting and transparency in the industry, especially when past offenses come to light.
Publisher 2080 Games announced on X that it had terminated its publishing agreement with Tactical Assault VR’s developer following the revelation of Sangco’s past criminal conviction. Similarly, Combat Waffle Studios, the creator of Ghosts of Tabor, confirmed it has removed all Tactical Assault content and promotional material, citing concerns over Sangco’s history. Sangco, known online as Jarvis, was arrested in Nevada in the summer of 2020 after communicating with an undercover officer posing as a minor. Court records show he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to solicit prostitution involving a minor and was sentenced to probation and sex offender registration, which was completed in August 2022.
Neither Sangco nor HammerFire Interactive, the developer behind Tactical Assault VR, has issued an official statement at this time. The companies’ actions follow the public disclosure of Sangco’s criminal record, which was not previously known to their partners or the public. UploadVR reports that the revelation came after a detailed video by YouTuber TiredInfantryman, who highlighted the criminal history.
Impact on Industry and Community Trust
This development highlights the importance of transparency and vetting in the gaming industry, especially for projects involving immersive and community-driven content. The swift disassociation by publishers and partners reflects a broader concern about accountability and reputation management. It also raises questions about how many other developers’ backgrounds are scrutinized before collaborations are formed, and whether more rigorous background checks will become standard practice.
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Background on Xerxes Sangco’s Criminal Record
Xerxes Sangco, known as Jarvis in online communities, was arrested in Nevada in 2020 after attempting to meet with an undercover officer posing as a minor. He was charged with soliciting a child for prostitution and luring a minor to engage in sexual acts. Sangco pleaded guilty to conspiracy to solicit prostitution involving a minor and was sentenced to up to 20 months of probation, with registration as a Tier 2 sex offender. His probation was completed in August 2022, and his sex offender status was lowered at that time.
The criminal record was not publicly linked to Sangco’s role in Tactical Assault VR until recent disclosures, leading to immediate repercussions for the game’s publishers and collaborators.
“We have made the decision to terminate our publishing agreement with the developer and the game.”
— 2080 Games
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Unclear Details About Developer’s Future Plans
It is not yet clear whether Sangco or HammerFire Interactive will make any public statements or take further actions regarding the controversy. The extent of the impact on the game’s ongoing development or future updates remains unknown. Additionally, the broader industry response to background checks and vetting procedures is still developing.
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Next Steps for the Tactical Assault VR Community
Further statements from Sangco or HammerFire Interactive may clarify their position. The industry may see increased scrutiny of developers’ backgrounds, and publishers might implement more rigorous vetting processes. The game’s community and stakeholders will likely monitor whether the project continues or is permanently shelved.
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Key Questions
Will Tactical Assault VR be canceled or continue development?
It is currently unclear whether the game will be canceled or continue. No official statement has been made regarding its future development status.
Why did publishers cut ties with the developer?
Publishers cited concerns over Sangco’s past criminal conviction involving child solicitation, which conflicts with community standards and ethical considerations.
Has the developer issued a public apology or statement?
No, neither Sangco nor HammerFire Interactive has issued an official statement at this time.
Could this affect other VR projects or developers?
Yes, the incident may lead to increased background checks and vetting for other developers involved in VR or gaming projects.
Source: UploadVR
