LEGO Halts Overwatch Set Over Activision Blizzard Scandal
The pieces aren't clicking into place with LEGO's latest video game adaptation, as plans for an Overwatch crossover have been scrapped. We've already seen LEGO's Super Mario sets make the Danish toy company a small fortune, it's steering well clear of the Overwatch scandal.
If you have been keeping up with the gaming industry, you'll undoubtedly have heard of the Activision Blizzard scandal that has rocked the world. Alongside CEO Bobby Kotick refusing to step down, Overwatch made the decision to rename the character McCree - because he was named after Lead Designer Jesse McCree.
Jesse McCree was featured in the famous "Cosby Suite" photograph and was among three big names that Activision Blizzard terminated employment with... although no official reason was given. The character was renamed as Cassidy in-game, but much like fans, LEGO hasn't forgotten these murky allegations.
What Has LEGO Said About The Overwatch Set?
As shared by The Brick Fan, LEGO has made an official statement on delaying the planned Overwatch 2 set, which was due to release in February. A LEGO spokesperson had this to say, "We are currently reviewing our partnership with Activision Blizzard, given concerns about the progress being made to address continuing allegations regarding workplace culture, especially the treatment of female colleagues and creating a diverse and inclusive environment."
The statement concluded, "While we complete the review, we will pause the release of a LEGO Overwatch 2 product which was due to go on sale on February 1, 2022." It's unclear whether the Overwatch 2 set will still release, but now that a company as big as LEGO has temporarily cut ties, with Activision Blizzard, it ain't looking good.
What Has Everyone Else Said About Activision Blizzard?
LEGO turning its back on Activision Blizzard is the latest big departure in a long line of tentative manoeuvres. The news comes just after Microsoft's Phil Spencer admitted it has changed the way it handles the shamed publisher.
Although Spencer didn't reveal how the Xbox overlord has adapted its working relationship, it hints that things aren't all sunshine and handshakes behind the scenes. Sony's Jim Ryan and Nintendo's Doug Bowser have said similar things, and while it's hard to imagine a gaming space without big hitters like Overwatch and Call of Duty, Activision Blizzard is on a tightrope.
If all of the above wasn't enough, even Call of Duty developer Treyarch made its stance clear and stood with the victims of these shocking allegations. One of the major movers not to show solidarity was The Game Awards. Last year's gaming showcase was dragged over the coals for largely skirting the issue. Then again, you only have to look at its board to see why this might be the case.
As much as we'd have loved to sit down and play as Tracer with our shiny Overwatch 2 LEGO sets, put those plans on hold for the foreseeable. It's just another day, another delay for Blizzard's troubled hero shooter.
