I am writing to express my deep concern about the inclusion of the Israeli flag in Overwatch. This flag has become a symbol tied to well documented actions of ethnic cleansing, systemic violence, and oppression. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially taken steps against figures like Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes, including the mass killing of civilians, destruction of homes, and brutal treatment of women and children. These are not accusations anymore they are established facts.
When I see this flag in the game, it serves as a painful reminder of the atrocities committed against Palestinians. It feels impossible to enjoy a game that I previously loved when I am forced to confront a symbol representing suffering and death for so many. For me and others, it holds the same emotional weight as other historically oppressive symbols.
I urge the Overwatch team to reflect on the inclusion of flags representing nations involved in ongoing human rights violations. This is not about attacking individual players but addressing the harm caused by showcasing symbols that remind many of pain and injustice. It’s time to remove the Israeli flag from Overwatch.
2 Likes
This is symbolism you attach to it.
This is a you problem.
Whilst the actions of the the government and military are abhorrent and needs to be dealt with. The flag isn’t the problem.
The same goes with all flags in the game, national, pride whatever. If the flag upsets you, that’s a you issue.
It’s not just symbolism I attach to it. For many players, the Israeli flag represents well documented atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and violence, recognized by international courts and human rights organizations. This isn’t just a personal issue plenty of others feel the same way. I’ve seen people leave matches or even throw games because seeing that flag is such a painful reminder for them.
You might not feel the same impact, and that’s fine, but dismissing how others feel comes off as pretty lacking in empathy. Some symbols carry a weight that’s bigger than just “personal interpretation” and their inclusion can make what’s supposed to be a fun and inclusive game feel the exact opposite for a lot of players.
There is no lack of empathy.
But you have to remember, theses “symbols” on have power if you let them.
It is just a flag, the flag isn’t doing anything. It isn’t sentient.
So japanese war flag + nazi germany flag could be in OW in your opinion? If we assume there was still nazi germany, that is, fictional scenario…
I don’t think any flag should be. People here are unable to cope with them. See pride.
As with all symbolism. The meaning is personal, and it only has impact of you let it.
As with your nazi example. The flag didn’t commit the atrocities. The people did. The flag is just a flag with stolen/borrowed imagery.
I get what you’re saying, but I think this goes deeper than just “personal meaning” or how individuals interpret a symbol. Flags aren’t just random designs they’re often tied to the actions of the governments or groups they represent. While it’s true that a flag itself doesn’t commit atrocities, it becomes a symbol of the actions carried out under it. That’s why certain flags evoke strong emotions, whether they’re pride flags, national flags, or any other.
For people affected by those actions, it’s hard to separate the flag from the harm it represents. This isn’t just about coping it’s about recognizing the impact of including symbols that remind some players of oppression, violence, and loss.
And if a symbol carries a heavy and painful association for a significant group of people, isn’t it worth questioning whether it belongs in a game meant to bring people together?
As always. If the sight of a flag angers you, that’s a you problem.
Certain flags will rightly not be there.
If you’re including nations flags, there’s no issues with Israel or Russia or any other having their flags available for perfectly normal people use with being associated to atrocious acts.
If we remove them, at what point do we stop. Because most countries have commited some for atrocity in history.
Let’s not have any Norse themed skins, because the vikings committed atrocities in England…
I think there’s a difference between historical atrocities that happened centuries ago and current, ongoing conflicts where the harm is still very fresh and directly affects millions of people today. Nations like Israel and Russia are involved in well documented modern day human rights violations. For many, their flags don’t just represent a country they represent active suffering, displacement, and violence.
The issue isn’t about removing every flag because of some historical wrongdoing. It’s about recognizing the unique weight and pain certain symbols carry in the present. When a flag is tied to atrocities happening right now, it’s understandable that people would feel hurt or even triggered seeing it in a space meant for fun and community.
This isn’t about attacking players who use these flags. It’s about acknowledging that these symbols can alienate and distress others. A game as global as Overwatch should strive to foster inclusivity, and it’s worth considering when certain flags disrupt that goal.
Fine. What’s the cut off. Because the Korean conflict is ongoing. Do we not let Korea have anything in game?
China are still in multiple ongoing conflicts.
The US commits atrocities on a daily basis, especially internally. It is knowingly funding Russia by buying russian gas and oil from India. As are the Saudis.
I’d personally just focus on ways to resolve the conflict and not worry about some colourful boxes in a video game.
The answer would have been to never introduce real world nations into a fictional video game world. But the rabbits long out of the hat on that one. So just have them all and remember it isn’t real life.