In a recent move, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has censored one of its default calling cards due to concerns that it may contain imagery referencing the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This change comes as the game gears up for its official release, set against the backdrop of the Gulf War in the early 1990s. Despite the historical setting, speculation had been circulating that the game might feature controversial content related to 9/11—a rumor that has now been fueled by the alteration of the calling card.

Rumors and the Reality Behind the Calling Card

Before any official announcements, rumors swirled online that Black Ops 6 might include a mission involving 9/11, potentially serving as a provocative moment similar to the infamous “No Russian” mission from a previous installment. While these rumors have been officially denied, the controversy was reignited when players noticed a specific calling card in the game, titled “Make History,” that appeared to reference the tragic event.

The original version of the “Make History” calling card featured what seemed to be a pixelated image of President George W. Bush on the left and a plane flying near a structure on the right. Given the combination of these elements, many players immediately drew a connection to 9/11, where the imagery of a plane near a significant structure evoked memories of the attacks. Although it’s unclear whether this connection was intentional, the card’s design sparked enough concern that the developers decided to censor it.

Changes Made to the Calling Card

As noted by Charlie Intel, the developers have since modified the “Make History” calling card. The updated version no longer includes the image of George Bush or the plane, effectively removing any potential references to 9/11. This alteration has led some fans to speculate further about the rumored 9/11 mission, though it’s essential to remember that such a mission has been officially denied.

While the exact reasoning behind the change remains speculative, the developers’ decision to censor the content suggests a desire to avoid any unintended associations with one of the most tragic events in recent history.

Looking Ahead: Black Ops 6 Campaign and Beta

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has kept much of its single-player campaign under wraps, with only a few missions revealed to the public. Fans hoping to explore the campaign will have to wait until the game’s full release on October 25, as the campaign is not included in the beta tests. For those eager to experience the game ahead of time, pre-ordering or subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers early access to the ongoing beta, which ends on September 4. An open beta will also be available from September 6 to September 9.

Final Thoughts

The censorship of the “Make History” calling card in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 highlights the sensitivity around certain historical references, especially those as impactful as 9/11. As the game approaches its official release, it will be interesting to see how the developers navigate these challenges while delivering a compelling and respectful experience to players.

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