FAGS Acronym Lands Video Game Developers in a Spot of Bother

November 04, 2009

 

The latest release of the video game Call on Duty, Modern Warfare 2, has come up for some criticism over a homophobic acronym.

Infinity Ward, the developers released a public announcement video on Youtube, in which the character based on the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Coles Hamels “Fight(s) Against Grenade Spam”.

Fight Against Grenade Spam has however been the focus of criticism, with the Acronym “FAGS” seen as having a homophobic undertone. The criticism has however led to an immediate reaction from the Infinity Ward Community Manager, Robert Bowling, who offered up an explanation via Twitter before ultimately deciding to take the video down.

He said: "I think it was more of a social commentary joke of that stereotype than it was a fist-bump of acceptance to it. I think the core gag is great; the end is a bit too far from the intent of the joke & can appreciate the concerns. Pulled."

Besides the homophobic allegations, MW2 has also been criticized form insensitive content within the game, in which a civilian airport is hit by a terrorist attack in a graphic manner. The creators did however not respond to this criticism. 

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