UPDATE: Halo’s co-creator and lead designer of Halo 2 have publicly condemned a controversial post from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that compares immigrants to parasitic aliens from the popular video game series. The statement has sparked outrage across the gaming community and beyond.
Earlier this week, the DHS shared an advertisement for ICE featuring Halo imagery, including two Spartans in a Warthog under a Halo ring, with the provocative caption: “Destroy the Flood.” This reference to the Flood, a parasitic lifeform in Halo, is drawing sharp criticism for its dehumanizing implications regarding immigrants.
Marcus Lehto, who co-created Halo and served as its art director, described the DHS post as “absolutely abhorrent.” He expressed his dismay, stating, “It really makes me sick seeing Halo co-opted like this.”
Fellow designer and Halo veteran Jaime Griesemer echoed these sentiments. While he found an earlier post involving former President Donald Trump amusing, he stated that the DHS’s message crossed a crucial line. “Using Halo imagery in a call to ‘destroy’ people because of their immigration status goes way too far, and ought to offend every Halo fan,” he said. “I personally find it despicable.”
The backlash comes amid a growing trend where government agencies use gaming culture to push their narratives. Critics highlight that the DHS’s language echoes some of history’s darkest moments, where groups were dehumanized and targeted based on their status. This situation is further complicated by the fact that it follows a previous controversial DHS post referencing Pokémon, raising questions about the agency’s messaging strategies.
Despite the uproar, Microsoft has chosen to remain silent on the issue, stating they have “nothing to share on this matter.” However, this lack of comment does not reflect the views of the game creators, who are clearly concerned about the implications of such rhetoric.
As the situation develops, many in the gaming community are calling for a reevaluation of how gaming culture is utilized in political discourse. The ongoing conversation emphasizes the importance of considering the human impact of language and imagery, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like immigration.
Next Steps: Activists and concerned citizens are urged to voice their opinions on this matter to hold government agencies accountable for their messaging. The conversation surrounding the use of gaming culture in political rhetoric is sure to continue, and many are watching closely to see if Microsoft will take a stand.
Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent issue as it unfolds.
