The Nickmercs and Call of Duty Backlash Explained, What Happened Between Them?
by A N Rahul
Updated Jun 16, 2023
The Nickmercs and Call of Duty Backlash Explained
Nickmercs, a popular video game streamer known for playing Call of Duty games on Twitch, recently faced backlash from some members of the gaming community. This backlash was triggered by a controversial tweet he posted regarding LGBTQ+ policies in schools.
In response to a video showing a brawl between pro- and anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrators outside a school board. During a meeting in Glendale, California, Nickmercs tweeted, "The focus should be on protecting little children. That's the actual problem." This tweet was interpreted by some as homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+, while others supported his viewpoint.
As a consequence of his tweet, Call of Duty made the decision to remove Nickmercs' operator skin bundle from the game's online store. They explained that they were focusing on celebrating Pride with their employees and community. This decision by Call of Duty prompted further backlash from Nickmercs' fans and supporters, who accused the company of being hypocritical and unfair.
Many of them even uninstalled the game in protest, expressing their solidarity with Nickmercs using the hashtag #IStandWithNICKMERCS on Twitter. Several other prominent streamers also voiced their support for Nickmercs and criticized Call of Duty for their actions. TimTheTatman, who also has his own operator skin bundle in the game, called on Call of Duty to remove his bundle as a show of solidarity.
Dr Disrespect, known for his outspoken opinions and rivalry with Call of Duty, went as far as uninstalling the game and announced that he wouldn't play it again unless Call of Duty publicly apologized to Nickmercs or reinstated his bundle.
This incident involving Nickmercs and Call of Duty exemplifies how social media can amplify controversies and create divisions among gamers and content creators. It also highlights the challenges faced by video game companies as they navigate the balance between business interests and their social responsibilities and values.
What Happened with Nickmercs and CoD?
Nickmercs faced backlash and 'Call of Duty' removed his skin bundle, leading players to uninstall the game. He is a renowned video game streamer, reigns supreme, especially when it comes to playing Call of Duty on the popular streaming platform, Twitch. Known for his skills and charismatic personality, Nickmercs even collaborated with Call of Duty to create his very own operator skin bundle—a cosmetic item that adds flair to the game and can be purchased and utilized by players.
However, the gaming community was recently rocked by a wave of backlash directed at Nickmercs. It all began with a tweet that ignited controversy surrounding LGBTQ+ policies in schools. In response to a video showcasing a heated clash between pro- and anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrators outside a school board meeting in Glendale, California, Nickmercs weighed in with his own thoughts.
He tweeted, "They should leave little children alone. That's the real issue." This seemingly innocent comment sparked a firestorm of interpretations, with some labeling it as homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+, while others rallied behind Nickmercs, supporting his perspective.
The repercussions of this tweet extended beyond the digital realm, as Call of Duty made a pivotal decision in response. They chose to remove Nickmercs' operator skin bundle from their online store, citing their dedication to celebrating Pride with their employees and community. This move by Call of Duty, intended to uphold their values, unexpectedly triggered a fresh wave of backlash from Nickmercs' ardent fans and loyal supporters.
Accusing the company of hypocrisy and unfairness, many fans uninstalled the game in protest, taking to Twitter to showcase their unwavering support for Nickmercs, utilizing the hashtag #IStandWithNICKMERCS.
But the story doesn't end there. Other influential streamers joined the fray, taking Nickmercs' side and openly criticizing Call of Duty's decision. TimTheTatman, another well-known streamer who also boasts his own operator skin bundle in the game, called upon Call of Duty to remove his bundle as a gesture of solidarity with his friend.
Dr Disrespect, a notorious figure known for his candid opinions and ongoing rivalry with Call of Duty, went even further by uninstalling the game altogether. He boldly declared that he would not play it again unless Call of Duty publicly apologized to Nickmercs or reinstated his bundle, making his stance unequivocally clear.
This dramatic clash between Nickmercs and Call of Duty series as a captivating example of how social media can amplify controversies, dividing both gamers and content creators. It sheds light on the delicate balancing act faced by video game companies, as they strive to navigate their business interests while upholding their social responsibilities and values.
The tale of Nickmercs and Call of Duty serves as a reminder that even within the captivating world of gaming, real-world issues and debates have the power to ignite fierce battles on both virtual and social media battlegrounds.
Who is Nickmercs?
Nickmercs is an American Twitch Streamer, a Youtuber, and co-owner of the renowned gaming organization FaZe Clan. Born on November 21, 1990, Nickmercs has made a significant impact in the gaming industry and amassed a substantial following.
Throughout his career, Nickmercs has achieved remarkable success, particularly in the popular game Fortnite, where he has secured over $190,000 in prize winnings. His prowess in the competitive Fortnite scene has solidified his reputation as a formidable player and a force to be reckoned with.
In May 2019, Nickmercs experienced a falling out and parted ways with the organization 100 Thieves. This decision was motivated by what he perceived as unfulfilled promises and inadequate management. However, his departure marked a new chapter as he swiftly found a new home with FaZe Clan, a prominent gaming collective known for its talented roster of creators and competitors.
Despite receiving enticing offers from rival streaming platforms, Nickmercs expressed his loyalty to Twitch, affirming his commitment to the platform that has played a significant role in his success. With an impressive following, he has often attracted upwards of 70,000 viewers during his Twitch streams, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the gaming community.
Nickmercs' influence and skill have not gone unnoticed, as he achieved remarkable financial success in 2019. It is estimated that he earned a staggering $6 million that year, firmly establishing him as the 10th highest-earning gamer in the industry. Such achievements not only highlight his talent but also reflect the immense popularity and support he has garnered from his dedicated fan base.
In May 2023, Nickmercs received further recognition within the gaming realm when a skin inspired by his likeness was announced for the highly anticipated game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. However, this exciting development was marred by controversy when the skin was subsequently removed from the game a month later.
This removal was a consequence of a tweet Nickmercs posted expressing his opinion on a school's decision to acknowledge Pride Month. The tweet, which stated, "They should leave little children alone. That's the real issue," sparked a significant backlash and led to the removal of the skin from the game.
Nickmercs' journey in the gaming industry is characterized by talent, success, and a dedicated following. Despite the occasional challenges and controversies, his impact as a Twitch streamer and YouTube content creator remains undeniable, solidifying his position as a prominent figure within the gaming community.
Call of Duty
Call of Duty, developed and published by Activision, is an iconic American video game series and media franchise that has captivated gamers worldwide. Since its inception in 2003, the series has seen the involvement of various developers, including Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games, with each contributing unique entries to the franchise.
Additionally, spin-offs and handheld games have been created by other developers, showcasing the widespread popularity and reach of the franchise.
The most recent installment in the series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, was released on October 28, 2022, continuing the legacy of this highly acclaimed gaming series. Initially, the Call of Duty games primarily focused on the setting of World War II. Infinity Ward developed the first two titles, released in 2003 and 2005, respectively, while Treyarch took the helm for the third installment in 2006.
However, the franchise experienced a significant turning point with the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007. This game introduced players to a contemporary setting, departing from the historical World War II backdrop. Its immense success propelled the creation of the Modern Warfare sub-series, which continued with Modern Warfare 2 in 2009 and Modern Warfare 3 in 2011.
The impact of the Modern Warfare series was so profound that it led to the development of a remastered version, released in 2016, allowing players to relive the iconic gameplay and storyline.
In addition to the Modern Warfare sub-series, Infinity Ward also explored other narratives with the release of Ghosts in 2013 and Infinite Warfare in 2016. Treyarch, on the other hand, created the highly acclaimed Black Ops sub-series, which began with the release of Black Ops in 2010.
Subsequent entries, including Black Ops II (2012), Black Ops III (2015), Black Ops 4 (2018), and Cold War (2020), further expanded the storyline and gameplay within this sub-series. Raven Software collaborated with Treyarch on the development of Cold War.
Sledgehammer Games, known for their involvement in co-developing Modern Warfare 3, also made their mark on the franchise with three titles of their own. Advanced Warfare (2014), WWII (2017), and Vanguard (2021) showcased their unique take on the Call of Duty experience, each presenting distinct narratives and gameplay mechanics.
Call of Duty has enjoyed success on various gaming platforms, including Windows, OS X, Nintendo DS, GameCube, PlayStation consoles (2, 3, 4, 5, Portable, and Vita), Wii, Wii U, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and J2ME. This broad availability has contributed to the widespread popularity and accessibility of the franchise.
With its debut release in October 2003, Call of Duty has come a long way, captivating players with its immersive first-person shooter gameplay. The most recent release, Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, arrived on November 16, 2022, further solidifying the franchise's place in the gaming industry and ensuring its enduring legacy for years to come.
The Nickmercs and Call of Duty Backlash Explained-FAQs
Nickmercs faced backlash after posting a controversial tweet about LGBTQ+ policies in schools. He commented on a video showing a brawl between pro- and anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrators, stating, "They should leave little children alone. That's the real issue." Some people interpreted this tweet as homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+.
Call of Duty decided to remove Nickmercs' operator skin bundle from the game's online store. They explained that they were focusing on celebrating Pride with their employees and community, which led to their decision to take action against Nickmercs' content.
Many of Nickmercs' fans and supporters expressed their discontent with Call of Duty's decision. They accused the company of being hypocritical and unfair. Some fans even uninstalled the game in protest and used the hashtag #IStandWithNICKMERCS on Twitter to show solidarity with him.
Several prominent streamers, such as TimTheTatman and Dr Disrespect, voiced their support for Nickmercs and criticized Call of Duty. TimTheTatman called on the company to remove his own operator skin bundle in solidarity, while Dr Disrespect uninstalled the game and stated that he wouldn't play it again unless there was a public apology or the restoration of Nickmercs' bundle.
This incident highlights how social media can amplify controversies and polarize opinions among gamers and content creators. It also showcases the challenges faced by video game companies in balancing their business interests with their social responsibilities and values. The incident involving Nickmercs and Call of Duty serves as a reminder of the power of social media and the impact it can have on gaming communities and industry relationships.