In Diablo 3, there is an event in March where cows go wild. The translation “Euternasie” was politically incorrect and has now been changed.
In March 2016, the event “Euternasie” took place for the first time in Diablo 3. Like many things related to the mysterious cow level in Diablo 3, there is a fourth-degree pun. In English, the event was and still is called “Udder Cowlamity” – a double play on words.
In German, the event was named “Euternasie.” It is also a pun, but quite a striking one. Today, the word “Euthanasie” is used in German in the context of the topic “assisted dying.” However, historically, the term “Euthanasie” in Germany is closely linked to the Nazis and the Third Reich. The word referred to the systematic murders of people with physical and/or mental disabilities.
In March 2016, there was a forum thread in the German forum for Diablo 3. It was started by the user Behalon. Essentially: “Are you really sure about that name? I’m not a fan of excessive political correctness, but … the mass slaughter of mentally ill, crazy cows under the term Euternasie only leaves one association …”
Blueposter “Tumodis” already stated back then: He agreed that the translation is poorly chosen. They wanted to change it in an upcoming patch.
Now that March has come again and the event is active, gaming magazines – like us – have announced it again as “Euternasie,” but in the game, the event now has a different name. The event is now known as “Hellish Herd Instinct.” At some point in the last few months, Blizzard must have changed the name of the event.
Currently, everyone in Diablo 3 is waiting for the start of Season 10 and a bit further then for the release of the Necromancer. For Season 10, there is a date; for the Necromancer, not yet.
Read more about the event here:
Diablo 3: Start Season 10, End of Season 9 and the Euternasie Event
