2K Games has introduced a range of clothing to NBA 2K20 in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The virtual clothes include hooded sweatshirts and t-shirts, emblazoned with some of the most harrowing words of the 2020 protests. The in-game items are now available to download, free of charge.
The new outfits include phrases such as “Say Their Names,” as well as “I Can’t Breathe,” three of the final words spoken by George Floyd during the incident which sparked the movement.
NBA 2K20 isn’t just adding clothing into the game to show support for Black Lives Matter. The game also now features billboards with the phrase, and the game was taken offline as a mark of respect during the funeral of George Floyd.
It wasn’t the only game to go dark though, as Rockstar Games also pulled the plug on Grand Theft Auto Online and Red Dead Online in honour of Floyd.
Meanwhile, many gamers have been using video games as a lockdown-friendly way to show their support for the real-world protests. You can check out one of the many in-game protests from NBA 2K20 below, as shared by Twitter user FlyWithoutWings.
While many people argue that the video games industry should not be involved in the current affairs which are sweeping the globe, it’s the sad truth that all media industries have an inherent relationship with – and a duty to support – equal rights for all.
For those who disagree with the Black Lives Matter movement, I invite you to consider the following tweet, shared by Sony.
We’re all working through a difficult time right now due to civil unrest and race protests. You can find out more about the Black Lives Matter movement, and donate to help the cause via the official BlackLivesMatter website here.
Featured Image Credit: 2K Games