The Coalition Removes Smoking References from GEARS 5

Many gamers are excited for Gears 5 to launch later this year, but there will be a change from other games that I’m sure many weren’t expecting. Gears 5 will not feature any smoking. The Coalition has made the decision to remove references 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 agreed to remove smoking 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 goal to remove smoking from pop culture in an effort to “end tobacco use among young Americans.” Seth Ladetsky from Turner said that this won’t affect gameplay and that the move has been in the works for months. What do you think of this change?

Gears 5 will be on PC and Xbox One starting September 10.

Via: Variety

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