Infinity Ward Renames Controversial Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Skin
Following criticism from players online, Infinity Ward has taken the step of renaming a certain cosmetic skin available in both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Warzone. The skin, which is available for the operator D-Day, was originally the ‘Border War’ skin. However, facing accusations that it was glorifying the US police & border patrol, its name is now ‘Home on the Range.’
Problems with the “Border War” Modern Warfare Skin
The name-change was recently implemented in both Modern Warfare and Warzone as part of a small patch. While the name and description have both been changed, the skin itself has not, and still clearly bears ‘POLICE’ insignia. (Making it feel rather incongruous with the new name/text.) Originally, the ‘Border War’ skin bore the description; “Show them the error of their ways and make them pay with D-Day’s Border War operator skin”. Now, however, the ‘Home on the Range’ skin description reads; “Play along with the deer and the antelope with the Home on the Range D-Day operator skin.”
Given the very clear POLICE markings on the skin, it’s unclear whether Infinity Ward plans to give it a physical overhaul as well to bring it more in line with its new description. The skin’s name and description change comes as a result of recent online criticism, accusing the game of gloryifying both the US police (who are facing widespread accusations of police brutality in the wake of mass protests – during which, Activision and Infinity Ward showed solidarity with Black Lives Matter), and also President Trump’s highly controversial immigration policies on the US-Mexico border.
Given that Infinity Ward recently pledged to work harder at combating online racism and abuse in Modern Warfare, this change makes a lot of sense. Certainly, whatever the original intentions were, the Border War skin sent out the wrong message. Hopefully, Infinity Ward goes as far as to alter the skin itself though. Otherwise, this would seem to be a cheap attempt to quietly brush a problematic issue under the carpet. (Rather than actually take a real effort to fix it.)