Police cars have been removed from the worldwide video game sensation Fortnite, a change that follows Minneapolis’ decision to do away with its police department following the unjust killing of George Floyd by a former officer.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a political statement,” said a person familiar with the creator’s decision to take away the police cruisers, reported Fox News. “I think it’s just us being sensitive about the issues many people in our audience are dealing with.”
One of the most popular video games around the globe, Fortnite boasted more than 350 million players as of May, according to its creator, Epic Games, Inc. The newest season of the game has reportedly removed all police cruisers.
Epic Games, though, has not issued a statement on the matter.
“The anti-cop sentiment is reaching everything,” wrote one Reddit user who plays Fortnite. “Sad times.”
Another player, Morgan McNabb of McKinney, Texas, wrote that she supports Epic’s decision to scrub police cars from the popular game.
“I’m for it,” wrote the 24-year-old gamer and law school graduate. “There really is major police brutality. Minorities are treated differently than myself.”
The killing of Floyd last month has sparked Black Lives Matter protests and riots all around the country. And many demonstrators are demanding the elimination of police forces. Earlier this month, the Minneapolis City Council members voted to dismantle the city’s police department.