SERIOUS CONCERN - Need clarification on threat rumors against Mod3m/Darkage
category: residue [glöplog]
I’d like to bring up something important that’s been bothering me, and I hope we can have a calm, constructive discussion about it.
Event 1.
Roughly six days ago, on April 22nd, 2025, I was told by Dascon that Virgil had mentioned something quite alarming. To quote:
"Virgil just wrote me that Mod3m / Darkage is already getting disturbing emails threatening and talking bad about his family."
At the time, I dismissed it, assuming it was perhaps a misinterpreted joke or just a way of venting frustration after some negative comments - maybe even a cultural misunderstanding. Dascon agreed that was likely the case, and we let it rest.
Event 2.
However, today (April 28th), I had a phone call with Facet, and the same topic came up - only this time with more specific and disturbing details.
To quote Facet:
"mod3m received an email saying that if he does an Amiga demo again, he and his family will be hurt."
(then I told him what I told Dascon, that it's probably a joke)
"mod3m showed US the email, it's real." (I wasn’t told who exactly "us" refers to.)
"It was from that guy from MFX."
Given that this is now being repeated and shared among people, I feel it’s time to openly address it before it spirals into something toxic or harmful.
So, here’s what I believe we need clarification on:
A) Is it really true that someone, allegedly from the scene, has sent threatening emails to mod3m (and even mentioned his family) because of AI use in an Amiga demo? If yes, why hasn’t this been reported to the police or authorities, rather than passed around in private conversations?
...or...
B) Is this a very unfortunate misunderstanding or a case of someone joking in extremely poor taste?
Regardless of the answer, this isn’t something we should take lightly or treat as rumor fodder. If it’s real, it needs to be handled properly. If it’s not, then those spreading it as fact need to be more careful with the weight of their words - especially when it involves accusations of threats or targeting someone’s family.
Let’s clarify this as a community, for everyone’s peace of mind. We owe it to each other, in a scene this close, to address things like this openly and responsibly.
Event 1.
Roughly six days ago, on April 22nd, 2025, I was told by Dascon that Virgil had mentioned something quite alarming. To quote:
"Virgil just wrote me that Mod3m / Darkage is already getting disturbing emails threatening and talking bad about his family."
At the time, I dismissed it, assuming it was perhaps a misinterpreted joke or just a way of venting frustration after some negative comments - maybe even a cultural misunderstanding. Dascon agreed that was likely the case, and we let it rest.
Event 2.
However, today (April 28th), I had a phone call with Facet, and the same topic came up - only this time with more specific and disturbing details.
To quote Facet:
"mod3m received an email saying that if he does an Amiga demo again, he and his family will be hurt."
(then I told him what I told Dascon, that it's probably a joke)
"mod3m showed US the email, it's real." (I wasn’t told who exactly "us" refers to.)
"It was from that guy from MFX."
Given that this is now being repeated and shared among people, I feel it’s time to openly address it before it spirals into something toxic or harmful.
So, here’s what I believe we need clarification on:
A) Is it really true that someone, allegedly from the scene, has sent threatening emails to mod3m (and even mentioned his family) because of AI use in an Amiga demo? If yes, why hasn’t this been reported to the police or authorities, rather than passed around in private conversations?
...or...
B) Is this a very unfortunate misunderstanding or a case of someone joking in extremely poor taste?
Regardless of the answer, this isn’t something we should take lightly or treat as rumor fodder. If it’s real, it needs to be handled properly. If it’s not, then those spreading it as fact need to be more careful with the weight of their words - especially when it involves accusations of threats or targeting someone’s family.
Let’s clarify this as a community, for everyone’s peace of mind. We owe it to each other, in a scene this close, to address things like this openly and responsibly.
I've just sent private messages to Mod3m, Virgill, Facet, and Dascon to start with.
Mod3m can actually confirm if a rumor is true or not, and if for some reason he decides to ignore, maybe Facet and Virgill can share a more details how this information got to them.
Mod3m can actually confirm if a rumor is true or not, and if for some reason he decides to ignore, maybe Facet and Virgill can share a more details how this information got to them.
Quote:
I've just sent private messages to Mod3m, Virgill, Facet, and Dascon to start with.
Would probably have been better to start with this, considering the serious accusations being posted here.
People, please do not post these kinds of things on pouet - they can cause irreparable damage to the individuals involved and/or accused. This is shameful behaviour without proof or at least talking to the accused.
In fact, we are aware of this and are investigating with all parties involved. Currently there is no evidence that this email was in fact sent by the accused and investigating available email headers and content point to something entirely different.
So, please keep this out of the public while we investigate (and even after that, if we reach a conclusion).
In fact, we are aware of this and are investigating with all parties involved. Currently there is no evidence that this email was in fact sent by the accused and investigating available email headers and content point to something entirely different.
So, please keep this out of the public while we investigate (and even after that, if we reach a conclusion).
These are very serious accusations, with legal penalties including jail time.
A public forum is NOT the correct place to handle this.
A public forum is NOT the correct place to handle this.
Quote:
"It was from that guy from MFX."
Quote:
available email headers and content point to something entirely different
Oh yeah, in an Agatha Christie whodunit it would be anyone except those guys, because too easy!
Quote:
In fact, we are aware of this and are investigating with all parties involved. Currently there is no evidence that this email was in fact sent by the accused and investigating available email headers and content point to something entirely different.
I’m afraid I have to respectfully disagree. If an email truly contains life-threatening content, it’s the job of law enforcement and the proper authorities to investigate. While anyone can pull the headers and trace the IP addresses in a matter of minutes, individuals don’t have access to the detailed logs and records that police or ISPs can obtain. Even if you do identify an origin IP, there’s little you can do on your own - so it’s best to leave this kind of investigation to the professionals.
Quote:
People, please do not post these kinds of things on pouet - they can cause irreparable damage to the individuals involved and/or accused. This is shameful behaviour without proof or at least talking to the accused.
Quote:
A public forum is NOT the correct place to handle this.
I must respectfully disagree with both points. First, this isn’t some private whisper - it’s already out in the open, and trying to suppress it only fuels speculation. Second, if someone is openly threatening the lives of Amiga demo coders and their families, the entire community has a right to know - my own compo entry could easily be next.
That said, I’m not suggesting we recklessly name suspects without proof - I’ve held back from doing so, even with a credible tip - but any real threat must be passed along to law enforcement immediately. This isn’t a matter for forum gossip; it’s a matter of public safety and needs proper investigation.
Quote:
That said, I’m not suggesting we recklessly name suspects without proof
Still, that's exactly what you did...
Quote:
I’m afraid I have to respectfully disagree. If an email truly contains life-threatening content, it’s the job of law enforcement and the proper authorities to investigate. While anyone can pull the headers and trace the IP addresses in a matter of minutes, individuals don’t have access to the detailed logs and records that police or ISPs can obtain. Even if you do identify an origin IP, there’s little you can do on your own - so it’s best to leave this kind of investigation to the professionals.
Exactly. So why are you escalating things with this thread then? Why don't the people GO to the police? This is obviously the way to go, unless there is credible reason to not do this. Reason, that was, in fact, given to me personally.
Sorry, but this is the worst way to possibly handle this.
