Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford on gamer criticism: 'some people are sadists'

Gearbox co-founder hints at bitter attacks received over Aliens Colonial Marines controversy in keynote speech at Develop conference

Randy Pitchford, the chief executive of Gearbox Software, has used a keynote speech at the Develop conference in Brighton to address the issue of vocal, highly critical gamers - with specific references to the controversy over the studio's 2013 release Aliens: Colonial Marines.

After performing a magic trick based on the Three Card Monte street scam, the industry veteran told attendees that, while many spectators would quietly appreciate any entertainment act, a small percentage would be critical and would seek to validate that by attempting to convert others.