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.”
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.