Some nations have restricted Overwatch's Pride event, and fans want this to change

Even though the event started on June 1, the developers had previously acknowledged that it wouldn't be accessible in some nations with anti-LGBTQ+ laws; many players have discovered that this includes parts of central and eastern Europe.

Some nations have restricted Overwatch's Pride event, and fans want this to change, Credit: Blizzard
By Shubham Dalal | Jun 3, 2023 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The hybrid Midtown map will receive an aesthetic change in June as part of Blizzard’s celebration of Pride Month in Overwatch 2. However, not all players will be able to take part in the event, which aims to encourage inclusivity.

Even though the event started on June 1, the developers had previously acknowledged that it wouldn’t be accessible in some nations with anti-LGBTQ+ laws; many players have discovered that this includes parts of central and eastern Europe. If you need more information about Some nations that have restricted Overwatch’s Pride event, and fans want this to change, then read carefully and don’t forget to share with your friends.

Some nations have restricted Overwatch’s Pride event, and fans want this to change:

Players are now complaining on social media about Blizzard’s decision to exclude LGBTQ+ content from nations with unfavorable legislation for the community. Players have expressed their strong support for the unlocking of the Pride content in a few threads on Reddit, even proposing that other games with LGBTQ+ material, such as Apex Legends, should not do the same.

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They are blocked in a few Eastern European countries where there are no anti-LGBT laws. This is so unfair. Myself and a lot of other queer individuals were so happy to finally get the icons and name cards only to find out they are banned for no reason.

“Our values are to protect players,” Aaron Keller added. “We want to protect players around the world. You can equip a cosmetic in one country and travel to somewhere else with different rules and get in trouble. So we feel like it’s our responsibility to help protect people like that and follow the laws in countries that we operate in.”

In honor of Pride Month, Blizzard has created 15 unique player icons, 24 player name cards, and a larger rainbow flag to reflect pride for a variety of sexual orientations and gender expressions. The hybrid map Midtown also has decorations that make it appear as though a Pride procession is passing across the city.

But in the case of Hungary and Lithuania, it’s a little bit more obvious how Blizzard came to this conclusion. Both nations have laws that are comparable to Russia’s “gay propaganda” prohibition, which forbids the viewing of any media to minors that “promotes” non-heterosexual relationships. With Pride flags in the game, iOverwatch’s sales in these nations will probably be restricted. After all, the game is now classed as suitable for those 12 and older.

Aaron Keller, the director of the OW2 game, seems to hint in a comment that the purpose of banning the content in specific nations is more about preserving gamer safety than it is about limiting fan access.

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