I release games and publish regular devlogs under a completely different alias just to avoid the malice and endless drama that can follow you around when you deal with indie devs. By doing this, you eliminate the chance that anyone who's got a grudge against your posting alias to shit all over your game.
Yeah, tbh, I find this the sanest reaction. People still bear grudges on my current alias based on what I said in IRC 10 years ago. If I release something, they swarm all over it and attack it. Neutral minds tend to lean towards slander; just two people ganging up on you can turn a whole group of unbiased people against you. You'll be forced on the defensive, you'll stumble over your words, and more people will keep pummeling you.
People will defend against unfair criticism. Be silent and people will defend you. Talk back too much and people will defend your critics. You will eventually come across the passive-agressive warrior who is a master of drawing you into attacking them.
If you must reply, make sure what you say is absolutely airtight. Never say "I disagree". By default, whatever you say to a critic is a poor response, unless you can point out clearly where they are wrong. And when you do respond, do so in a friendly manner. Anything that resembles a counter-attack will unleash more attacks upon yourself.
The public persona is also a work of art, similar to the game itself. Pen names are common in the writing industry. A 'public face' is common in the music and film industries for good reason. A strong public face prevents people from pressing their biases and expectations onto your image.
A suitable public image complements the game, stretches the cloak of immersion. It allows you to get 'into character'. It creates a stronger brand. It'll allow you to exaggerate parts of your personality that fit into the game's feel. It gives you a mask which dampens your natural shyness in interviews and such.
Most of all, it allows you to comfortably view all criticism from a third person perspective. Never take criticism personally. If it's an attack or worthless praise/insults, throw it away. If it's harshly worded but true, throw it onto your 'fixes' list. Think of critics not as haters, but as bug reports.
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