Popular modding site Nexus Mods has banned the user who removed the Pride flags in the PC version of Marvel’s Spider-Man, sparking an outcry that the site has actively disengaged from.
The original mod was called “Non-Newtonian New York,” and replaced the in-game Pride flags dotted around New York City with US flags.
As today’s announcement from Nexus Mods explains, “In regards to the replacement of Pride flags in this game, or any game, our policy is thus: we are for inclusivity, we are for diversity. If we think someone is uploading a mod on our site with the intent to deliberately be against inclusivity and/or diversity then we will take action against it.”
If you think that a gay pride flag isn’t a political statement, then I assume you also think a white pride flag isn’t a political statement?
Edit: Also, if the inclusion of a gay pride flag isn’t a political statement, then how can its removal be a political statement?
The fact that it’s a political statement you and I may happen to agree with doesn’t mean it’s not political, and advancing that argument just makes you sound as irrationally prejudiced as the people you oppose.
It may well be a political statement but it’s use in the game is to create an immersive atmosphere and people have pride flags in front of their businesses in the city irl so I don’t see why it’s so weird to have it placed in a game as well. It’s not like the game stops to tell you to donate to your local LGBT friendly politician.
Expressing pride for your background or a characteristic you have is not a political statement. It’s only a political statement when you’re attempting to influence a decision to be made for or by a political party.
I wasn’t arguing that it’s removal was a political statement either. I simply stated that it’s not the same as advertising a politician in a game, because that is political statement.