As part of Call of Duty’s stand against racism and solidarity with the lives lost to police brutality, they now show a Black Lives Matter message on the loading screen and before every match. This message was a part of a new update to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare that also calls for players to update their client before taking part in a multiplayer match. After the update is finished installing, the Black Lives Matter loading screen appears before every launch of the game, or when there is a switch between game modes. The image states,
“Our community is hurting. The systematic inequalities our community experiences are once again at center stage. Call of Duty and Infinity Ward stand for equality and inclusion. We stand against the racism and injustice our Black community endures. Until change happens and Black Lives Matter, we will never be the community we strive to be.”
Image via Infinity Ward
As of today’s date (June 6th, 2020), The Verge makes the observation that the loading screen only appears on PS4 and not on PC, but it is probably best to assume that this update will be coming soon for them. A similar message also shows on the Call of Duty mobile app as well. On top of this, Infinity Ward and many other gaming companies are taking a harsher approach to racism in online multiplayer matches, on top of postponing the release of Season 4.
Along with Infinity Ward, many other game companies have released statements for their communities following the murder of George Floyd and the worldwide protests that followed. Rockstar has shut down Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption online modes to honor those that were killed, and even the next Fortnite season is facing delay due to the worldwide outrage. Sony has also delayed the PlayStation 5 release event to honor George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmud Arbery, and those in the past that have also lost their lives to police brutality (while also responding to a number angered fans that try to downplay the meaning of Black Lives Matter).