The latest update for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone has brought around an unexpected change, as players have discovered that the games’ “OK” hand gesture has been removed.
The update was spotted by Reddit user C_Collins99, with fellow Redditors speculating that the change has been made in reaction to racist behaviour within the games.
According to Eurogamer, Activision hasn’t yet responded to the publication’s request for more info, though it seems likely the company will have to speak up at some point.
That means it’s all speculative right now, but Eurogamer believes that the gesture has been axed due to its connotations as a racial hate symbol.
RIP to the “okay” gesture from r/modernwarfare
Back in 2019, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) branded the sign as a hate symbol after it was discovered to be used by some as a “sincere expression of white supremacy.” Since then, it’s come under fire when used online, especially when it comes to memes. More and more companies are reacting to potentially hurtful content in their work due to the Black Lives Matter movement.
It’s not clear whether Activision will speak out on the matter.
The new ‘Okay’ emote has been the best one added so far from r/modernwarfare
In other Call of Duty news, it’s believed that Season Five will be the biggest yet. According to a new report from VGC, Warzone is set for some huge changes when the next season drops.
VGC claims that Warzone will be tweaked to become more in line with the upcoming unannounced Call of Duty 2020 title. Leaks suggest the game will be based on the Cold War, and it makes sense that Activision would look to change its free-to-play Warzone to drive hype for the next big CoD experience.
According to the publication, Warzone’s football stadium will get an “open interior,” but perhaps even more exciting, it’s alleged that the map will see a loot-filled train constantly circling the entirety of the map. I don’t know about you, but that sounds fun as heck to me!
Hopefully we’ll see more soon.
Featured Image Credit: Reddit: C_Collins99/Activision