The Coalition Removes Smoking References from GEARS 5
Many gamers are thrilled for Gears 5 to release later this year, but there will be a difference from other games that I’m sure many were not expecting this. Gears 5 will not feature any smoking. The Coalition has made the decision to remove mentions to smoking after Truth Initiative, a not-for-profit anti-smoking organization, talked to Turner who has the broadcast rights to Gears 5. Turner, in turn, talked to The Coalition who accepted to remove smoking references from the game. The Coalition’s studio head, Rod Fergusson, released the following statement:
“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of smoking. It’s always been important for me to not use smoking as a narrative device, which is why we made the conscious choice to avoid highlighting or glorifying smoking in ‘Gears 5’ and throughout the Gears of War Universe moving forward.”
This move is part of Truth Initiative’s aim to remove smoking from pop culture in an attempt to “end tobacco use among young Americans.” Seth Ladetsky from Turner said that this won’t influence gameplay and that the move has been in the move for months, what do you think about the change?
Gears 5 will be released on PC and Xbox One starting September 10.
Via: Variety
