Rockstar and 2K Games temporarily shut down online games for BLM

Companies are doing a variety of things in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. Some are simply releasing statements condemning racists and some are donating. But Rockstar Games and 2K Games will be straight up taking their games offline.

All of the companies under parent company Take-Two Interactive will be taking this stand. This includes games like Grand Theft Auto Online, Red Dead Online, NBA 2k, and more. The games will go offline from 2 – 4 PM ET on June 4th, 2020. Rockstar Games made a statement on Twitter noting that this was to “honor the legacy of George Floyd”.

Some on Twitter criticized the move, saying it won’t do anything and companies like Rockstar should donate instead. Others respected the move and supported it noting that it draws attention away from their games and on to the issues in our world. Rockstar has not announced any public plans to donate but shared a link to help support causes related to the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Following the memorial, we hope you will join us in further honoring the many victims of America’s racial injustices by supporting their families, black-owned businesses, those marching on the streets, and coalitions.”

On the flip side, 2K Games has pledged $1 million to the cause.

“George Floyd’s memory will serve as a reminder that racism and the violence it incites cannot be tolerated,” Take-Two Interactive said in a statement. “We are committed to supporting efforts to eradicate racial injustice and stand in solidarity with the Black community against this systemic issue that causes conflict and division in our society.”