Last Friday, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 developer Infinity Ward
released a public service announcement video on Youtube featuring an
in-game character model of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels.
The video was supposed to be of the comedic variety, with Hamels
addressing those pesky random grenade spammers, but its message exactly
didn't come across as intended for some.
Besides the use of explicit language, many believed the video's
group, "Fight Against Grenade Spam," contained an anti-gay message or
slur when put into acronym form. Was this just an extreme coincidence?
Or is there perhaps a sliver of truth behind its meaning?
"Be cool, avoid random grenades. They're for p*ssies"
Infinity Ward Community Manager Robert Bowling offered up an explanation via
Twitter before ultimately deciding to take the video down.
"I think it was more of a social commentary joke of that stereotype
than it was a fist-bump of acceptance to it," Bowling wrote. "I think
the core gag is great, the end is a bit too far from the intent of the
joke & can appreciate the concerns. Pulled."
While Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's release is just days away, both Infinity Ward and publisher Activision came under fire last week when a supposed
leaked video of one of the game's early levels hit the net showcasing a terrorist attack upon a civilian airport.