Overwatch has removed one of the most popular spray logos of the character McCree. When you think about it, the step is only logical.
In the history of Overwatch, minor changes have often been made when certain content was at risk of being considered offensive. A long time ago, a pose of Tracer was altered. In the latest patch, a spray logo of the cowboy McCree has now also been removed. He can no longer spray a noose.
What was changed? Since the latest patch, McCree can no longer use the spray logo “Noose”. The spray logo has been removed from the game and is no longer available – neither in loot boxes nor through direct purchase with credits.
What was the problem? Although Blizzard has not commented on it, the spray logo with the noose was probably problematic on several levels. The noose is a symbol from cowboy movies for many, but it can also have many other meanings that have changed over the years. The noose is also a clear symbol for the targeted execution of often defenseless individuals. In many cases, the noose has also become a symbol of racist lynchings, which was used by the Ku Klux Klan (via CNN).
Additionally, posting a noose in recent years has often been considered a – not always serious – suggestion for the other to commit suicide. This is probably not a message that one would want to convey in a colorful and fun game like Overwatch.
What is there instead? The developers have simply swapped the spray logo with the noose for a horseshoe labeled “Bad Luck”. Those who previously had the noose as a spray logo now automatically received the new horseshoe.
Some players believe that a lasso would have been a more appropriate spray logo instead of a noose.
But basically, the – presumably intended – intention is still possible with the new spray logo. You can “frame” another spray logo and tease the player a bit. Now with the “Bad Luck” saying and no longer with a symbol that wishes death upon this character.
What do you think of this change? Is it good and sensible? Or is there an overreaction here?
