Overwatch 2's "harassment simulator" is back; players are outraged

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Overwatch 2 has a robust system that allows players to create and share special game modes that incorporate unique rules. Unfortunately, some use these creative tools to make offensive content.

Last year, there was a case of a fan who used the free hero shooter system to make a "harassment simulator." As its name suggests, this game mode is an apology for abuse. At the time, it caused a lot of controversy and outrage on the internet and in the gaming community.

Blizzard Entertainment took action and removed the game mode, although reports indicate that it was still available to anyone with the code. The studio promised in a statement to improve moderation to prevent that kind of inappropriate and offensive content from appearing in the custom games list.

“We continuously work to improve automatic filters to prevent inappropriate content made by users and manually remove any that are not detected by the system,” the company commented in October 2022.

OVERWATCH 2'S MOST CONTROVERSIAL GAME MODE IS BACK

Unfortunately, the controversial “harassment simulator” came back and made its way onto the list of most popular custom games on Overwatch 2 North American servers. Of course, it's sad to know that this game mode was played so often that it appeared on the Homepage.

Through a Reddit post, user Joyolo13 shared a screenshot of the controversial gameplay. Players on the forum expressed their outrage and took the opportunity to recall the sexual harassment scandal that Blizzard was embroiled in a couple of years ago.

In the game mode, users use Cole Cassidy, known a couple of years ago as Jesse McCree. The character was renamed due to the original name being tied to developer Jesse McCree, who left Blizzard amid the bullying and toxic work environment lawsuit.

According to the PC Gamer portal, the developers have already removed the controversial game mode, and the code that gives access no longer works. However, what steps the studio will take to prevent this, and other offensive experiences from coming to Overwatch 2 remains to be seen.

But tell us, what do you think of this situation? Let us read you in the comments.

Overwatch 2 is available for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation.

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