Read his interview. It's full of "I'll teach those bastards a lesson" bullshit talk.
This excerpt is the one of the most pretentious ever:
"So if you somehow have a problem with that, well, then that sucks, but the story's gonna win for us. It's ironic or maybe sad - I think that people will benefit the most from this kind of story are the ones that are yelling the loudest right now, but I hope there's enough in the game to draw them in and just normalize stuff that is normal. It is part of our society and it is part of owning up to an interesting nuanced character.
He is clearly using the game as a vehicle to "normalize stuff", make it "acceptable" - he is clear that art is second to message here. Also, "people will benefit from the game" - in what way? Who does he think he is? He wants to "educate" people through a game? The pretentiousness is baffling. Dude thinks he is diversity messiah.
Also this:
"Getting better diversity gives us better story, gives us fresher perspectives on conflict. And I hope once they play the game, they'll realize it. "
Says who? I mean... Yakuza begs to differ. No diversity whatsoever and it is a great story. Total bullshit statement.
I think I'll retire myself from this conversation as I'm not even a fan of the first game, I just think Neil is insufferable and wanted to voice my opinion about what he said.
The only thing I really love about the first game is Gustavo Santaolalla's STELLAR soundtrack.