Activision's Removal of Bundles after Pride Month Controversy

In a surprising move, Activision has decided to remove the branded cosmetic bundles of two popular streamers, Nick “Nickmercs” Kolcheff and Tim “Timthetatman” Betar, from the Call of Duty Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty Warzone stores. The reason behind this decision is related to the controversy that erupted after Nickmercs made some insensitive comments about LGBTQ+ people during Pride Month.

What did Nickmercs say about Pride Month?

The drama started on June 8th, when Nickmercs replied to a tweet by MLG Puckett, a former Overwatch League caster, who shared a video of a violent clash between pro-LGBTQ+ and anti-LGBTQ+ protesters outside a school board meeting in Glendale, California. The school board was voting to recognize June as Pride Month on campus, a decision that was passed unanimously.

MLG Puckett wrote: “This happened 4 blocks from my Overwatch League apartment. Americans are in a sad place right now. Let people love who they love and live your own life.”

Nickmercs commented: “They should leave little children alone. That’s the real issue.”

This happened 4 blocks from my Overwatch League apartment.

Americans are in a sad place right now.
Let people love who they love and live your own life. https://t.co/iflQJ1xmgC

— Puckett ✈️ #CDL2023 (@MLGPuckett) June 7, 2023

Many people interpreted Nickmercs’ comment as anti-LGBTQ+, implying that LGBTQ+ people are somehow harming or influencing children in a negative way. Some also accused him of using a common argument that is often used by anti-LGBTQ+ activists to oppose LGBTQ+ rights and education.

Nickmercs defended his tweet in a livestream later, saying that he was not trying to be anti-gay, but rather expressing his opinion as a new father that he and his wife want to be the ones to talk to their child about LGBTQ+ topics. He also said that he respects everyone’s choices and lifestyles, but he does not agree with some of the things that are being pushed on children in schools.

How did Activision react to Nickmercs’ comments?

Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty games, apparently did not appreciate Nickmercs’ comments, as they decided to remove his branded bundle from the Call of Duty stores shortly after the controversy. The bundle, which was released on June 7th, featured an operator skin, a weapon blueprint, a charm, a sticker, a calling card, and an emblem inspired by Nickmercs’ logo and style.

Activision did not make an official statement about the removal of the bundle, but many fans speculated that it was done as a way to distance themselves from Nickmercs’ controversy and to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Activision has been celebrating Pride Month with various initiatives, such as adding rainbow flags and emblems to Call of Duty games, donating $25,000 to The Trevor Project (a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth), and hosting a Pride-themed tournament with LGBTQ+ creators.

Why did Timthetatman ask for his bundle to be removed too?

Timthetatman, another popular streamer and friend of Nickmercs, also had his own branded bundle in the Call of Duty stores, which was released on June 8th. The bundle featured an operator skin, a weapon blueprint, a charm, a sticker, a calling card, and an emblem inspired by Timthetatman’s logo and style.

However, after seeing that Nickmercs’ bundle was removed by Activision, Timthetatman decided to show solidarity with his friend and asked Activision to remove his bundle as well. He tweeted: “Hey @Activision @CallofDuty can you do me a favor and remove my bundle from your store? Thanks.”

Timthetatman did not explain his reasoning behind his request, but many fans assumed that he was unhappy with Activision’s decision to remove Nickmercs’ bundle and wanted to stand by him. Some fans praised Timthetatman for his loyalty and friendship, while others criticized him for supporting Nickmercs’ controversial comments.

Did any other streamers react to the controversy?

Another streamer who reacted to the controversy was Dr. Disrespect, who is known for his outspoken and controversial personality. Dr. Disrespect publicly came to Nickmercs’ defense on his livestream, saying that he agrees with Nickmercs’ tweet and that he does not like how Activision handled the situation. He also uninstalled Call of Duty on his livestream in front of his audience and urged them to do the same.

Dr. Disrespect said: “I agree with Nickmercs, man. I agree with him. And then they take his bundle out of the store? Are you kidding me, Activision? […] I’m uninstalling the game right now. I’m done with it. And you should too.”

Dr. Disrespect’s actions sparked mixed reactions from his fans and the gaming community, with some supporting his stance and others disagreeing with him.

What are the implications of this controversy?

This controversy has shown how divisive and sensitive the topic of LGBTQ+ rights and education can be, especially in the gaming community, which is often seen as a male-dominated and heteronormative space. It has also shown how influential streamers can be, as they can shape the opinions and behaviors of their millions of followers, for better or for worse.

It is important to remember that streamers are not experts or authorities on LGBTQ+ issues, and that their opinions are not facts. It is also important to respect and support the LGBTQ+ community, especially during Pride Month, which is a time to celebrate their diversity, history, and achievements.

Sources

1. : https://firstsportz.com/esports-news-call-of-duty-removes-recently-added-nickmercs-operator-bundle-following-creators-controversial-pride-month-comments-fans-react/
2. : https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/06/09/what-did-nickmercs-say-about-pride-month-drama-explained/
3. : https://twitter.com/NICKMERCS/status/1666483385504604160
4. : https://twitter.com/timthetatman/status/1666495126502400000
5. : https://win.gg/news/nickmercs-accused-of-being-anti-lgbtq-for-incensitive-tweet/