Hey everyone,
I just got back from GDC and Jessica brought this thread to my attention.
I want to apologize for my choice of imagery in the "MP Accessibility" slide in my GDC presentation. In my presentation I was speaking to one of the major design philosophies for Halo 4, which was to try and make the game accessible to players of all skill levels and help new players find success. The image was intended as a visual shorthand, using a universal symbol for accessibility. It was not meant to infer anything, positive or negative, about an individual or group.
In hindsight, considering the image and reading the comments here I realize how insensitive this was and can understand the reaction it has provoked. I am honestly embarrassed by this. I can only apologize and say that it was never my intention to offend anyone, and I am sorry for any harm caused by this thoughtless error in judgment.
/Josh