Call of Duty Glitch

In March 2025, an unexpected glitch led to the reappearance of the Nickmercs operator skin in the virtual marketplaces of Black Ops 6 and Warzone. This was notable because the skin had been banned nearly two years prior. Although players observed its presence in the game shops, it wasn't available for purchase, suggesting the limited extent of this digital hiccup, and steps were already being taken by the developers to rectify the issue.

The controversy traces back to mid-May 2023 when Activision unveiled operator skins for Nickmercs, a popular gaming personality, and his colleague TimTheTatman. The situation took a turn when Nickmercs, whose real name is Nicholas Kolcheff, commented on social media about an incident involving violence against LGBT activists at a school meeting during Pride Month. His statement suggesting that children should be left alone sparked outrage across the internet, with accusations of promoting anti-LGBT sentiments.

In response to the backlash, Activision quickly removed the Nickmercs skin from their Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone stores. Additionally, TimTheTatman, standing in solidarity with his friend, requested the removal of his own in-game operator bundle, which the company honored. This development underscores the impact of public discourse on in-game content and company decisions within the gaming industry.

Thus, the return of the banned skin due to a glitch highlights the complexities and unintended consequences that can arise in digital platforms, especially when intertwined with sensitivities around social issues.