Haven't we already accepted celebrity endorsements everywhere else? Movie posters, soda commercials, sneaker deals. Why should video games be held to a different standard? Adults and teenagers can tell the difference between a paid partnership and genuine artistic expression. It's not like Keanu Reeves being in Cyberpunk 2077 tricked anyone into thinking they were getting a documentary.
And honestly, these deals help fund bigger, more ambitious games. Without celebrity backing, we'd get smaller budgets and fewer risks. Plus, when done right, it adds to the experience. Think about it: a familiar voice or face can make a character feel more real. That's not unethical — that's just good casting.
02:50 AM