The latest cosmetics for Halo Infinite characters, released to commemorate June 10, sparked outrage from fans and gamers alike and prompted the founder of 343 Industries to apologize.
June 19 is a US federal holiday observed annually on June 19. It specifically commemorates June 19, 1865, when the Union Army freed slaves in Texas, but since the 1990s it has evolved into a broader and more inclusive celebration of emancipation and black culture.
Based on the reds and greens associated with the June 19 holiday, Halo Infinite’s new character palette originally launched as “Bonobo,” after a monkey native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This caused outrage among fans and professional Halo players, who were quick to pick up on the palette’s subtext.
“Disappointment isn’t even the right word to use here,” says Bradley Lowes, a player for Halo esports team OpTic, of his Twitter. “Outright racism at a major party is just spitting in black people’s faces. The fact that it happened and got this far is horrible.
“Absolutely unacceptable things,” he adds. reyjayTwitch streamer and Halo Infinite player for the Built by Gamers esports team.
In response, 343 Industries founder and CEO Bonnie Ross issued a formal apology.
“We were made aware of a palette option for our Juneteenth logo that contained an offensive and offensive term,” says Ross. “The team immediately addressed this issue with an update.
“We are a studio and franchise committed to inclusion, where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be themselves. On behalf of 343, I apologize for turning a famous moment into a painful one.”
We became aware of a palette of variations for our Juneteenth logo that contained an offensive and harmful term. The team immediately addressed this issue with an update. (1/2)
—Bonnie Ross (@PlutoForEver) June 15, 2022
We are a studio and franchise that strives for inclusion, where everyone is welcome and supported to be themselves. On behalf of 343, I apologize for turning a famous moment into a painful moment. (2/2)
—Bonnie Ross (@PlutoForEver) June 15, 2022
Since then, the original cosmetics have been updated and renamed “Liberty”.
Source : PC Gamesn
