343 Industries has apologized for launching an offensively named Halo Infinite Juneteenth cosmetic.
To commemorate Juneteenth, an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S., the studio released an emblem that included a palette option called “Bonobo,” which is the name of an endangered ape.
After users pointed the error in their ways, 343 updated the name to “Freedom”.
Halo Infinite Season 2 Release Trailer: Lone Wolves
“We were informed of a palette option for our Juneteenth emblem that contained an offensive and hurtful term,” 343 founder and chief Bonnie Ross said after the incident. “The team immediately addressed this issue with an update.
“We are a studio and a franchise committed to inclusion where everyone is welcome and supported to be their true self. On behalf of 343, I apologize for making a celebrated moment a painful one.”
Warning: To show this listing, please allow the use of functional cookies in your cookie preferences.
“We strive to create diverse and inclusive gaming communities,” said John Junyszek, 343 senior community director in a separate message.
“Although the original name refers to a set of internal tools, it was not intended to apply to this content and we acknowledge the damage it may have caused.”