Nexus Mods, a popular mod database, has posted a strongly worded update about the Spider-Man Remastered patch that was created to remove Pride flags in-game. The website’s administrator, Dark0ne, has revealed that the mod was uploaded by a sock puppet under the name “Mike Hawk.” They said the fact that it was added to the database by a secondary account shows the uploader’s intent to troll and demonstrates their understanding that it would not be allowed on the database. As such, the website has decided to remove the patch from its repository and to ban both the user’s main account and sock puppet.
Spider-Man Remastered was released for the PC a few days ago. It’s a refresh of the original title developed by Insomniac Games, which has since been purchased by Sony Interactive, and was released back in 2019. In the game, you’ll see Pride flags around New York as you swing around the city as Spider-Man, and some players were apparently offended by their presence. The mod Mike Hawk released replaces those Pride flags with the flag of the USA.
“We are for inclusivity, we are for diversity,” Dark0ne wrote in their post. They vowed to do a better job of moderating their website and ensuring that their policy is followed more closely going forward. The administrator said that the website will take action if someone uploads a file with the intent to be deliberately against inclusivity and/or diversity. Based on how the website addressed this particular issue, it will likely hand out bans in the future if they’re warranted. Of course, Dark0ne and their team can only police what’s uploaded on Nexus Mods. Seeing as it’s one of the largest repositories around, though, its team’s stance could make an impact and help slow the spread of certain game modifications.