Summary
A Donald Trump character mod for the game Marvel Rivals has been removed from Nexus Mods, reportedly due to its violation of the platform's policies against mods related to sociopolitical issues. The game's developer, NetEase Games, has yet to comment on the matter or the broader use of character mods within Marvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals, a recently released hero shooter, has quickly gained millions of players. Players are experimenting with various mods to customize the appearance of characters, ranging from alternative skins based on Marvel comics and films to even crossovers with other franchises like Fortnite.
The Trump mod, replacing Captain America's model, gained traction on social media, with some users even seeking out a corresponding Joe Biden mod for matchups. However, both mods are now inaccessible on Nexus Mods, resulting in error messages.
Reasons for Removal:
Nexus Mods' 2020 policy explicitly prohibits mods concerning US sociopolitical matters. This policy, implemented during the contentious 2020 presidential election, aims to maintain a neutral platform. The removal of the Trump mod aligns with this pre-existing guideline.
Social media reactions were mixed. Many players found the ban unsurprising, citing the incongruity of Trump's image with Captain America's character. Others expressed dissatisfaction with Nexus Mods' stance on political content. It's worth noting that despite this ban, Trump mods for other games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, and XCOM 2 remain available on the platform.
NetEase Games, the developer of Marvel Rivals, has not publicly addressed the use of character mods, including those featuring controversial figures. The company's current focus appears to be on resolving gameplay issues and addressing player account concerns.
