[ad_1]
Ubisoft is under fire after releasing a video showing the opening scene of its new mobile game, Tom Clancy’s elite squad. The video shows a familiar scenario between the government and an anarchist group, UMBRA, similar to recent events. In addition to using chaotic scenes, Ubisoft has also used the image of a black fist to symbolize UMBRA. The symbol, widely used by Black Lives Matter, is often seen in protests calling for racial justice. Some viewers even suggested that the French gaming company is classifying BLM as a terrorist organization.
Was it that bad? I still don’t see the INSENSITIVITY … the internet is VERY SENSITIVE nowadays … damn … I missed the times, when fans enjoyed and played video games … now everything is shaken … every thing !!!
– Stephano📸 (@RODELENZ) August 29, 2020
Insensitivity to current real world problems
In the opening sequence of the video, the narrator begins to rally his audience by sharing intimidating statements. “The world is in an alarming state. Wars, corruption and poverty have made it more unstable than ever ”. He goes on to claim that UMBRA is a faceless organization that claims to “promote an egalitarian utopia to win popular support.”
After much backlash, Ubisoft posted an apology on its official Twitter account. In the statement, they admit that the use of the raised fist image was “insensitive and harmful.” They also claim that the image will be removed in the next update on September 1.
It’s not just the visuals that are harmful, it’s the whole concept of the game. It would be callous and damaging anyway, but it’s also an especially bad time: inciting hatred towards protesters who are a thinly veiled allegory for BLM when they are the people suffering irl right now.
– 🔥⚡️ Isa ⚡️🔥 (@EvilCleverDog) August 29, 2020
Obviously, many people they were not receptive to this apology. Some claimed that Ubisoft intentionally intended the game to negatively politicize the BLM movement. A Twitter user shared a photo with comments from some players who enjoyed the video.
Congratulations @Ubisoft, Congratulations. pic.twitter.com/T8NcsMvPUl
– Chet Faliszek (@chetfaliszek) August 29, 2020
Some fans approved of the message behind the opening sequence and didn’t understand why people were upset with the story.
Although Ubisoft claims that the similarities between BLM and the game are unintentional, it doesn’t erase the fact that they still came up with the idea. During a sensitive time when many people are protesting alongside BLM, the idea of creating a video with the same tensions is unpleasant. It will be difficult for Ubisoft to back down from this mistake, especially after claiming its solidarity with BLM in June.
We stand in solidarity with the members of the black team, the players and the black community. We are making a $ 100,000 contribution to NAACP and Black Lives Matter and we encourage those who are able to donate. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/KpHZCF6VWx
– Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) June 2, 2020
Be sure to follow Daily Esports for more gaming news.
[ad_2]
