Amid controversy that caused a community uproar, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is pulling a paid cosmetic that is said to give users an unfair advantage if equipped.
The skin in question has been with the franchise since Modern Warfare 2 when it launched for the game back in 2022. Now, the same cosmetic made its way to Modern Warfare 3, but not to the nostalgia of diehard COD fans.
Dubbed the “Gaia” skin, the paid costume is specifically made for Nila “Nova” Brown. When worn, it transforms the operator into something akin to Marvel’s Groot (hence, the “Groot” reference to the skin). However, many are not too happy about players wearing said skin as it renders them “literally invisible” in the field.
The issue lies in the skin’s color scheme involving the colors brown, red, and green, as well as its largely transparent limbs. The problem is compounded when said skin is applied when playing on maps with muddy and dull textures. Due to the costume’s unintended effect, many in the community are accusing the game of being “broken” and “pay-to-win”.
Players dissatisfied with the experience took to social media, including X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, where they requested the Sledgehammer Games to remove the in-game skin.
Listening to the complaints, the developer confirmed via a November 19 Reddit AMA that it plans to temporarily remove said costume in the upcoming update.
“Adjustments to Gaia and Gaia Blackcell Operator Skins are in the pipeline for Modern Warfare III,” per the studio, in response to a fan.
“In a future game update, we’ll disable this item until said changes can be released to all players,” it added.
