Walmart draws screens for violent media after the El Paso shooting

Walmart confirmed the move in a statement to Vice saying it was "out of respect" for the victims of the El Paso and Dayton gunfire, and that this "does not reflect" a change in the actual game catalog. You can still buy the Call of Duty you just don't want to see it advertised.

At the same time, ESPN2 delayed its August 11 airing of Xgames & # 39; Apex Legends EXP Invitation for similar reasons. Kotaku sources understood that the competition would now air 6 October, 15 October and 27 October.

While both moves were made with sensitivity, they could still be problematic by giving credence to the unsupported claim that video games cause violence. Several studies have shown that these titles do not lead to violent behavior, and that advocates for restricting violent gaming turnover have historically used it to distract from issues of gun control and gun culture. Walmart still sells guns, though CEO Doug McMillon suggested openness to change with promises of "thoughtful and deliberate" answers to weapons-raised questions. Changes in video games and movie viewing may just be the start of a major strategy shift.