Twitch streamer and indie game developer Pirate Software, real name Jason Thor Hall, claims he was recently swatted and has received “tens of thousands of death threats” following controversial remarks about the Stop Killing Games initiative.
Pirate Software, known for his work on the early-access indie RPG Heartbound, has grown a loyal following on Twitch thanks to his development streams and outspoken commentary. But a combination of recent in-game drama and public criticism of the Stop Killing Games campaign has made him a lightning rod for controversy.
Earlier this year, Hall was involved with the hardcore World of Warcraft Classic guild OnlyFangs, where players operate under permadeath rules. His time with the guild ended in flames after a disastrous Dire Maul North run in which several teammates died permanently. Hall was harshly criticized for fleeing the battle and making dismissive comments about the incident. Soon after, he was expelled from the guild.
However, a more intense backlash erupted after Hall criticized the Stop Killing Games movement — a campaign that demands publishers preserve online-only games after their servers shut down, potentially via offline modes or fan-hosted servers. The petition has gained massive traction, with over 1.17 million signatures as of this writing.
“My main issue with this initiative is that it is broad in its approach to change the industry,” Hall explained on Twitter. “It could potentially restrict developers from making online-only games like MMOs, MOBAs, and user-generated content titles in the future.”
While Hall acknowledged the good intentions behind the movement, he expressed concern over its feasibility and long-term implications for game design.
Shortly after his comments went viral, the situation escalated.
As reported by Dexerto, Hall revealed during a Twitch stream on July 1 that he was swatted — a dangerous prank where emergency services are falsely dispatched to someone’s location. He further stated that he and his moderation team had received “tens of thousands of death threats.”
“I’m going to be honest with you. I hope that your initiative gets everything that you asked for, but nothing you wanted,” Hall said cryptically during the broadcast.
The event has reignited serious conversations about the real-world dangers of online harassment, especially for public figures and developers who voice dissenting opinions. While the Stop Killing Games campaign has garnered widespread support from fans and preservationists, the toxic backlash faced by Pirate Software has been widely condemned.
Despite the attacks, Hall confirmed he is safe and working with authorities. His story is a stark reminder that digital debates — even those centered on game preservation — can spiral into very real threats when left unchecked.
As the campaign grows and industry conversations evolve, the hope is that this incident becomes a catalyst for greater accountability, safety tools, and nuanced discussions within the gaming community.