It seems that the 'OK' gesture emote has been removed from Call of Duty Modern Warfare and Warzone. However, neither Infinity Ward nor Activision has said anything confirming the removal of the emote from the game so far. The absence of the emote was first noticed last week by some players on Reddit and Twitter.
Gestures in Call of Duty Modern Warfare and Warzone allow players to throw hand symbols toward other players. Some of these hand gestures include making a fist, giving a thumbs-up, and more. These gestures are used just for the sake of fun and taunting other players in games.
Although, the 'OK' sign with the index finger and thumb forming a circle and the rest of the three fingers pointing outward is not well received by people who stand against racism. The sign is believed to have been co-opted by racists and white supremacists, using the sign to indicate White Power.
Here's what the Anti-Defamation League has to say about the sign: "The overwhelming usage of the 'OK' hand gesture today is still its traditional purpose as a gesture signifying assent or approval. As a result, someone who uses the symbol cannot be assumed to be using the symbol in either a trolling or, especially, white supremacist context unless other contextual evidence exists to support the contention."
We haven't personally seen the usage of the 'OK' sign to establish white supremacy in video games, but it's always better to stay clear of that lane. Following the recent Black Live Matter protests, Infinity Ward has come forward to express how it stands against racial indiscrimination and aims to combat racist abuse in Modern Warfare and Warzone. This seems like a really easy and minor step to take in that fight.
We'll keep you informed in case Activision or Infinity Ward issues a statement regarding the removal of the sign from the game.
