You wouldn’t think a high-ranking video game executive would get involved in internet squabbles. When was the last time you saw Phil Spencer or Jim Ryan reply to a mean Tweet or Facebook post? Well, it turns out Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser isn’t above calling someone out on social media… and on LinkedIn of all places.
It wasn’t even related to anything with Nintendo or its games, but airplane etiquette. Chad R. posted a short rant on LinkedIn about how people on airplanes “do not have the right” to touch other passengers’ seat backs, even for stabilizing or raising themselves. The argument was driven home by a bizarre AI image and a reassurance that “the seat you are in is yours.” The appropriately named LinkedInLunatics subreddit by user PKLeor shared it, and the ensuing debate was spotted by Kotaku, likely for Doug Bowser’s surprisingly blunt response.
Bowser called Rogers’ comment “rather arrogant and entitled,” pointing out how some passengers “may be challenged moving to their seat” due to physical limitations or the narrowness of the seating areas. He also asked, “Where on your ticket purchase documentation are your ‘rights’ to the seat back or other ‘rules’ you speak of declared?”
Surprisingly, Rogers clapped back, saying, “Entitled would be indicating you own everything not elucidated on a ticket on contract. Manners are [clear], happy to help you out on them with the post.” To which Bowser replied with, “Manners are different from rights. I do see the arrogance is still prevalent however. Have yourself a good day,” which very much reads as him realizing he has better things to do than keep arguing with a guy who gets this mad about people touching his plane seat.
If you check the original post, you’ll see Bowser’s comments are strangely absent, meaning either Bowser or Rogers deleted them. Someone has also since shared Kotaku’s coverage in the comments section, and it’s clear Rogers refuses to back down from his stance, adding, “Video game nerds seem to not know the basic of flight manners.” Think we can all hope that we’ll never share a flight with this guy.
