COD: Black Ops 6 Faces Backlash Over Controversial Gun Design Amid Chat Censorship Issues

Image Via Activision

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has ignited a firestorm within the gaming community, following the introduction of a weapon that doubles as a bong. This bold design choice has led to accusations of promoting drug use, sparking backlash from players. Meanwhile, the game's chat moderation system has come under fire for its harsh censorship of in-game communication, further fueling the controversy.

The Bong Gun Controversy:

• A recently revealed weapon in Black Ops 6, which is essentially a gun that transforms into a bong, has raised eyebrows. Many players argue that the inclusion of this item could be seen as encouraging drug use, an issue that has quickly become a hot topic in gaming forums.
• Reddit users, including u/TheGoldenCaulk, have expressed frustration with what they see as a double standard. "Call of Duty is the game where every character says f*** and s*** in every voice line, but I get my chat censored for saying 'mfs'," they commented, criticizing the inconsistency between the game’s content and its moderation policies.

Also Read: COD Black Ops 6 Zombies: How To Get Stamps & Elemental Sword Easter Egg Guide

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Stricter Chat Moderation:

• Players have also vented about the game’s increasingly strict chat moderation, which has resulted in bans for relatively mild language. For instance, u/LaserArmadillo recalled being unable to name a class "PP" without facing censorship.
• Many players argue that these bans are inconsistent and unfair, with some mentioning experiences where minor or innocent terms, like "butterfly," were flagged for potential inappropriate content.

Broader Concerns:

• The conversation quickly expanded beyond Black Ops 6, with some players pointing out that the series has always been filled with violent content, yet chat censorship has tightened over the years.
• u/PrinceShoutoku summed it up, "By this logic, isn't Call of Duty also promoting violence, 'war crimes', torture...?" highlighting the contradiction between the game’s themes and its moderation approach.

While some would argue that adding a weapon with a bong theme goes too far, others say it is just another approach to a specific audience. However, all players still agreed that the chat moderation system of the game needs reevaluating, as concerns about censorship keep growing. It remains to be seen how developers will respond to such overwhelming criticism, but for the time being, it will be an ongoing controversy.