Chaosium Inc., the publisher of the tabletop role-playing game Call of Cthulhu, has officially changed the name of the Cthulhu Mythos deity Shub-Niggurath to Shub-Gorath for its upcoming game, Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones. The decision was made to avoid potential automatic content filters online, a phenomenon known as the Scunthorpe problem, which could flag the original name due to its phonetic similarity to a racial slur. Additionally, Chaosium noted that the name could be hurtful to some audiences, especially in light of H.P. Lovecraft's documented racist and xenophobic views.
In a statement on the game's Gamefound page, Chaosium explained that while Lovecraftian scholars generally agree the name was not derived from the slur, the phonetic similarity is enough to trigger online filters. The company also acknowledged that Lovecraft's personal prejudices are a sensitive aspect of the Mythos.
Chaosium further justified the change by framing it within the context of the game itself. Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones is set in a primordial age before humanity, when the Great Old Ones had not yet been named by later cultures. The name Shub-Gorath is an evolution inspired by Shuma-Gorath, another Great Old One mentioned by Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian. Shuma-Gorath was later adapted and expanded by Marvel Comics.
The practice of borrowing and adapting elements from other creators is consistent with how the Cthulhu Mythos itself evolved. Lovecraft and his contemporaries, including Howard and Clark Ashton Smith, frequently shared and built upon each other's mythos elements. Chaosium stated that Shub-Gorath's renaming follows this tradition of creative cross-pollination. Lovecraft's original works, which entered the public domain in the U.S. in 2024, have long been a source of inspiration and discussion regarding their complex legacy.
The change has prompted varied reactions within the Call of Cthulhu community. Many fans have expressed indifference, arguing that the true nature of these cosmic entities transcends their names and that individual players can use any name they prefer at their gaming tables. However, some have voiced opposition. Sandy Petersen, the original creator of Call of Cthulhu, publicly stated his disagreement with the decision. Chaosium has acknowledged that finding a solution satisfactory to all players is challenging, given the different perspectives on preserving the original lore.
Despite the community debate, Call of Cthulhu: Old Ones has proven to be a successful crowdfunding campaign, reaching its funding goal within minutes of launching and nearing $500,000 in pledges before its conclusion on October 15.