Shocking! Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Valorant to Fortnite-White Supremacist Ideologies in Games
White-supremacist ideas gained significant exposure through online video games this year, particularly among adults, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League.
One in five adults reported being confronted with White supremacist ideologies, more than double the rate a year earlier. At the same time, 15% of teen and pre-teen gamers surveyed said they interacted with people who “believe that White people are superior to people of other races and that white people should be in charge,” according to the report.
Gamers heard White-supremacist views most often in Activision Blizzard Inc.'s Call of Duty, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s Grand Theft Auto, Riot Games'Valorant and Epic Games Inc.'s Fortnite.
“Gaming companies aren't doing very much” to stop it, said Daniel Kelley, director of strategy and operations at the ADL's Center for Technology & Society, noting that Roblox Corp. is the only “major gaming company that has an explicit anti-extremism policy.” Released Wednesday, the ADL surveyed 2,134 Americans who play video games.
When reached for comment on the ADL report, Epic Games referred to its community guidelines, which prohibit discrimination and harassment. Activision Blizzard spokesperson Joe Christinat also referenced Call of Duty's code of conduct, which prohibits harassment and discrimination. “Our games are designed for joy and connection,” Christinat said. “There is no room for hate. We strongly support the important work of the ADL and have appreciated our collaboration. We look forward to deepening our work with them and others to eliminate hate together.”
A spokesperson for Riot Games said “creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players is core to our mission,” adding
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