Is a $10,000 donation enough to make the world forget about Ocean Marketing?

N-Control, makers of the Avenger Controller accessory that was recently the center of the Ocean Marketing disaster, has touted a $10,000 to the Child’s Play charity via an official press release. The donation earns N-Control platinum sponsor status alongside companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.

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Child’s Play was created in 2003 by Penny Arcade founders Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins to improve the lives of children with toys and games in a network of over 70 hospitals worldwide. Those following the Ocean Marketing saga will know that it all came to light when Paul Christoforo, handling support for the N-Control Avenger Controller, berated a customer before turning his anger and terrible grammar on Krahulik. Aside from being banned for life from any Penny Arcade-related event, Christoforo’s actions went viral, earning the Avenger Controller a slew of 1-star reviews on Amazon and no small amount of bad press.

Christoforo has long since been fired, but N-Control is obviously still attempting to pick up the pieces. While it’s hard to argue with anyone giving to charity, it’s safe to say this sizable donation is not entirely altruistic. N-Control has also offered up $50,000 worth of Avenger products–should they be “needed.”

“N-Control appreciates our customers’ patience and support through this rough patch we have been through,” said founder David Kotkin. “We have been in regular touch with Customer Dave, who prefers his identity not be revealed, and he’s been very supportive.”

Aside from horrid PR and customer support, N-Control has also become known for large delays in shipping orders, another issue they’re attempting to rectify (now that it’s come under the microscope, of course). The company has suspended new sales for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 accessories “in the interest of focusing on backorders and ensuring sufficient product inventory worldwide,” according to a press release issued this week.

The Avenger Controller was allegedly invented by Kotkin to help a disabled student enjoy video games, though the origin story seemingly changed once the concept became a funded retail product. It’s interesting to see how this company holds up to the light when they never expected to come under such scrutiny.

Image via Tracy Olson