Relayed via Twitter, the decision was made because “now is not the time” and “Right now it’s time for those speaking up for equality, justice and change to be seen and heard.” The post closes in stating that Activision stands with us.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) June 2, 2020 Activision isn’t alone in this either - several game publishers have voiced their support for the black people suffering from racism across the globe, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement. Ubisoft has donated $100,000 to the aforementioned organisation which combats gross inequality that black people are subjected to. Sony has also decided to delay their PlayStation 5 reveal event. The move to delay new content in what is, let’s face it, an inherently and spectacularly violent game, while the oppressed struggle to have their voices heard, in the face of some (not all) police who continue to brutalize protestors and reporters alike - which has since lead to additional deaths - was a smart one. This is a time when release schedules take a back seat and the privileged need to listen to and help amplify black voices. Activision taking a clear stance on this issue is a refreshing change from their handling of a previous incident related to the Hong Kong protests late last year. A professional Hearthstone player from Hong Kong voiced support of the protestors campaigning for the continued freedom of their nation, for which he was banned from competing. Activision-Blizzard’s action was swiftly and widely condemned as sucking up to China. Seeing that the corporation is now willing to openly stand with the people fighting for justice hopefully indicates much needed change in the corporate circles of the world. This is a sentiment we also share. Black lives matter.
