In a scene from the trailer for "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2/Infamy," Washington D.C. is shown under attack.
(Infinity Ward/Screenshot)Photos (1 of 1)
‘Modern Warfare’ trailer: Does Washington burning go too far?
Some say the images of destruction on US soil are too much for a post-9/11 audience.
By Andrew Heining | 10.05.09
The scenes are familiar enough to even the casual gamer: tanks rumble by, choppers pass overhead, exchanging gunfire with troops on the ground; explosions erupt left and right, revealing the grimacing faces of soldiers fighting a faceless enemy.
But in the upcoming “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2/Infamy” one thing stands out: the gallant mansion reduced to rubble doesn’t belong to some crazed separatist dictator hellbent on all kinds of nefarious acts. Instead, it’s the White House. The scenes of post-apocalyptic scenes of carnage play out not in some fictional town in eastern Europe, but in Washington D.C. itself.
The game’s trailer, which debuted to a national audience tuned into Sunday night’s Steelers-Chargers NFL game, has racked up close to 200,000 views since its posting on YouTube Sunday, and reports have it that more than a million have pre-ordered the game.
Does the game go too far? Is it offensive?
Many on game forums are quick to point out that this is not the first time the US capital has been destroyed on-screen (remember 1997’s “Independence Day?” Little green men made kindling of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue). And with what’s coming out of the gaming industry these days (Grand Theft Auto IV, anyone?) is this any worse? Maybe not. But this is one of the first times such striking imagery has surfaced since 9/11, when the idea of widespread destruction on US soil was suddenly thrust into reality.
As Innovation blogger Amy Farnsworth wrote this summer, games based on current events are seeing something of a surge. But something tells this writer there’s something of a difference between a cartoonish Flash game where the object is to try to hit George W. Bush with a shoe, and one in which the destruction of a major US city – in near photo-realistic detail – plays a central role.
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Taking aim at energy-sucking TVs
The EPA is requiring TV manufacturers to cut down on the amount of energy large screen LCD and plasma TVs consume.
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What’s your take? Does the Modern Warfare 2 trailer go too far? Leave a comment, and be sure to catch up with us on Twitter. We’re @CSMHorizonsBlog.
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2. Michael | 10.05.09
This may be more of a rise in a trend than a first in gaming. I would point out that the recent blockbuster “Fallout 3″ is set in a post-apocayptic Washington area. As a Washington resident who played Fallout 3, I can say that there is something eerie about a detailed rendering of your city (indeed, even the subway stop you use every day) in ruin. Advertising for that game also drew criticism, as posters featuring the Washington in the aftermath of a nuclear attack were placed in downtown subway stops. It didn’t put many minds at ease, that’s for sure.
3. AnnoyedConsumer | 10.05.09
Their are far to many important issues to worry about than what imagery a new video game has or what the latest ’scoop’ is regarding Jon + Kate. No one who has a brain really cares. Lets discuss issues that actually matter and affect our daily lives and not find yet something else to whine about. Don’t like it? Don’t play it.
4. n1kko | 10.05.09
Should we refrain from publishing games that depict Nazis, adult humor, torture? Why are games constantly under scrutiny? We have the first amendment that protects that right… No, i don’t think this trailer takes things ‘too far’
5. Seanny | 10.05.09
9/11 didn’t happen yesterday. It’s been nearly a decade since then-upcoming action flicks w/ comic book-ey terrorists had to be postponed and imagery of the World Trade Center towers had to be digitally removed before release. US landmarks have been destroyed by invaders a countless number of times in video games and Hollywood action flicks (of which video games like Modern Warfare 2 are heavily derived). I’m not trying to argue whether or not it’s good taste, I’m just saying the time to hype this thing as a “controversy” is in the past I think, provided there isn’t a part in this game where terrorists ram a hijacked airplane into a skyscraper.
6. Mark Essex | 10.05.09
Oh, so Hollywood, and the American entertainment establishment, can depict the historic brutalizations and sufferings of everybody else, but America’s “feelings” demand consideration?
I say, show a depiction of 9-11 itself and let’s entertain ourselves with that!
7. Andrew Jackson | 10.05.09
How about a video game based on the war of 1812? Would the burning capital be offensive to you? Get over over yourself.
— Old Hickory
8. Just Saying | 10.05.09
Its a game! its’ not real! it didn’t happen! I mean, how many more ways can you say it. People that get offended by this need to learn to seperate fact from fiction, reality from non-reality, and so on. regardless of how exact the game depicts its images, ITS NOT REAL! Get it? good.
9. Count Spatula | 10.05.09
Forget about the Wall Street predators who are actually destroying the nation in front of your eyes… debate instead whether a videogame will cause the next fall of Rome.
10. Just Saying | 10.05.09
Not only is it not offensive, I would get it just for the chance to “virtually” gun down those responsible for the destruction(kinda like venting) its a stress reliver.Play the game people and don’t whine. ( I remember that there was a game that came out, around the time of the beginning of the Iraq war in wchich Sadam Hussein was a target in the game, and even thought I can’t remember what it was called, how many people do you think bought the game specifically to shoot @ Saddam?) and besides no one is forcing you to buy this game (except those with kids of course)
11. johnny | 10.05.09
you fundies are laughable. does the bible go too far or religious people for predicting the end of the world by armmageddon and why are you willing to attack a video game yet not deal with hysteria created by your own religious ideologies. how is that diffferent from a videogame.
when you point fingers at people, hypocracy becomes aparent.
how is this any different than watching a left behind movie depecting the end of the world or america bashing using the bible when it suits religious people and why arent you making articles where you can make a difference in your own congregation?
The bible is one of the most perverse and voilent books imaginable (crucification scene isnt gory?) yet fundies who attack horror movies and video games have no thought when it comes to bringing out jesus crucified on a stick with nails in his hands on a stutue or story. go look in the mirror before pointing fingers, worry about yourself and change yourself before trying to change others.
12. John | 10.05.09
And honestly I don’t see why depicting some other country in ruins should be more ok then depicting U.S. in ruins..
13. chris | 10.05.09
Ok folks, I agree with you. This is a freakin game! Don’t like it, don’t play it, simple as that. I’m a Marine who served in the infantry, I can honestly say that the CoD series is pretty accurate in details and what not. Keep in mind, its a game. As mentioned above, ID4 and fallout 3 are bits of entertainment that showed a fictitional destruction of US soil. Where were the crybabies when fallout 3 came out? Now people wanna cry because CoD wants to continue its Modern warfare series with fighting on US soil? Hello, the games name tells you what’s up, MODERN WARFARE!!! Not 1700s warfare, not 2100s warfare, modern day fighting. Its just a game. Hell I even have a pre-order of the game. I enjoy it. I enjoy the series. AnnoyedConsumer has it right, there are more important and more pressing issues this contry needs to worry about, not a video game. If you have ever heard of Common Scense, try to use some and get a life.
14. wrongstring | 10.05.09
Let parents childproof the things they deem suggestive or dangerous for their children. These games are intended for a mature audience. Is it so easy to drum up controversy over something so insignificant? CSM is another media outlet in a long line that perpetuates sensationalism.
15. JohnS | 10.05.09
It has been fascinating to read the posts here! They made me go back and reread the article, and the posts… I wanted to find the complaints from the “crybabies”, and the “fundies”(?)
Anyway, all I found was an article describing the new trailer, including descriptions of previous games, and a simple question, “Did it go too far?” To which I answered, simply, “No.” (The article finally ends with the author’s one-liner suggestion that maybe it did go too far. Whatever.)
There was so much vitriol in the posts — I thought they must be arguing with each other! I certainly found little to argue with (for or against) in the article.
Who is it that needs to get a life?
16. Josh | 10.05.09
I’d have to agree completely with Chris in that its just a game. If people have a problem with it then they simply shouldn’t play it. We shouldn’t let a few pissed off people dictate what the masses do. I’m an infantry Marine myself currently serving. CoD4 is by far one of the most realistic and accurate depictions of war today. It’s not only a great game but has been used as a valuable training tool for military personnel in teaching fire team and squad-based tactics (all without the risks of live fire training I might add). The benefits provided by the game (relaxation, amusement, military training, etc) far outweigh any negatives (pissing people off). Personally, I’d rather prepare for our nation to come under such an attack rather than be caught with my pants down.
17. BG | 10.05.09
Its a game for pete’s sake…maybe people should be worried about what is really wrong with this country…poverty..the rich robbing the poor..health care..wall street..I mean COME ON PEOPLE
18. ryan | 10.05.09
its just a game for teenagers how many boy teens do you know that don’t like games like that i wanted to get the game as soon as i saw that
19. Henry D’Andrea | 10.05.09
I think it is not going to far. It is just showing events, that could actually happen. I don’t think that they mean any disrespect, It is just part of the story line.
Henry
http://www.thehenry.net
20. Uknown_Betrayel | 10.05.09
As like they all say it is just a game. There are far more problems that need to be checked up before a game that is in based on fiction. NOT fact!. People these days always to complain about something even something that has no importance to society. It’s just Washington D.C. in rubble, not like its really like that. There is a difference between making a game about 9/11 and a game about burning Washington D.C. One of these events have actually happened withing the last decade and thousands of people died. So far in the last decade of the U.S. Washington D.C. hasn’t been burned down. There should be no controversy of going too far. It is just stupid for people to complain about games these days about going “TOO FAR”.
21. Whatever | 10.05.09
I guess whoever those 9/11 people with overblown sensitivities aren’t members of my generation then. We were born and grew up with the constant threat of nuclear annihilation over our heads and frankly I think that threat made our country a much better place to live. Who in my generation didn’t grow up to movies, games, and shows like Red Dawn, Terminator, Mad Max, even the X-Files. What’s the point of being so worked up about foreign invasion in a video game when there’s already a much more quiet and sinister war going on inside our country already that’s spent the last 45 years tearing apart everything our forefathers intended it to be?
22. iwantthisgmae | 10.05.09
The trailer was not offensive. Get over it, it’s just a game. I remeber when they had to change the front of the red alert 2 box because it depicts a plane heading towards the twin towers. I don’t see any problem with the trailer. The religous message was out of place though. I don’t think it’s a good idea to mix current religion with games. that I find potentially offensive
23. JS | 10.05.09
Well-made trailer. Now I want to go buy this game! Prior to this I had never heard of it.
24. Rancher | 10.05.09
Hello, I am a gamer, a rancher, and a gun owning American living in the bible belt.
I have no issue with this game. As others said, its a game. Its nothing new. How many movies, books, and games have there been with America, England, Italy, Germany, and Japan getting the ever loving bejesus blown out of them?
They are all works of fiction, or based on actual events and made fiction.
It is a fun game, and that is what it is, a game. What if there was a board game involving a blown up White house? Would you create a big sensation over this?
I must say, you are a clever troll, but even so, I must rate you a 1/10, you are to blatent in trying to create attention. A good troll sneaks up on people.
25. glaeser f | 10.05.09
DOD roams the earth creating enemies for the culture of death, that just killed a few hundred thousand in Iraq to net Corporate America Billions, while programming Vid heads to Kill with out adversity, spend 4 hours a day instead of exercise or intellect. DOD is involved in this and most every other mass murder platform out there. My tax dollars on that screen? We occupy 61 countries now, we sublimate mass murder for “entertainment”, guns (not just the people that use them) are a leading cause of Death. The common good? To feed this to a childs mind is the same is corn sweetner and soda pop. Perhaps we should consider the quality of life for all of us as the Greater Spirit of law. This Violenct society is the moral equivalent of it’s obesity. Disrespect of its own humanity. At what point do we stop the progression of Violence. A rape/torture simulation software game?
26. Bob | 10.05.09
Of course it’s not offensive. Video game players aren’t helpless babies who can’t seperate reality from fantasy.
People are far too prudish. Get over it.
27. ggwill0 | 10.05.09
That is stupid, we shouldn’t be shielding our people from seeing things that very well could happen in the future, and besides it fiction and 9-11 happened years ago, sry but people need to get over it.
29. R M McDouglas | 10.05.09
I agree, its too soon after 9/11 to depict any sort of American landmark in ruins. Heck, even Pearl Harbor practically happened yesterday.
Furthermore I find it hard to believe that games are allowed to contain anything that had to do with 9/11. Scenes depicting anything exploding should be removed, along with things burning, airplanes, people purposefully running into things, things falling down, and foreigners.
30. Thorne | 10.05.09
i think it is interesting becuase it will be US kids fighting for thier cpital city after an attack
We have shown other ocntires being nuked bombed stabbed and burned
31. Jay | 10.05.09
I’m pretty sure playing as U.S. military men defending out way of life in a video game is not “going too far.” In fact, we need more games depicting heroes like these.
32. Josh R. | 10.05.09
wow… its a video game, i think its kind of cool that thats happening cause i have always wanted a war game in a recognizable city in america. And i live right next to d.c which is cool
33. skep-tik | 10.05.09
Perhaps the trailer portends the future. The US resorts to self-bloodletting anytime changes threaten their own comfortable image of themselves. As their power declines, as their leadership wanes, as their technological prowess disappears, as their political insecurity fragments their society, I have little faith that it’s polarized people can avoid another Civil War.
34. anon | 10.05.09
Take your controversy digging elsewhere. It’s a video game, rated mature, and is perfectly fine for a “post 9-11″ america. The only real difference between today and pre-9-11 is we’re in one and a half wars and we have a different president. It’s not like WW-2 games are controversial in a post-ww2 america, or vietnam games are controversial in a post-vietnam america. And I’d say the loss of life from those years far outweighs the loss of life from 9-11.
36. Alex Francisco | 10.05.09
“Forget about the Wall Street predators who are actually destroying the nation in front of your eyes… debate instead whether a videogame will cause the next fall of Rome.”
Are you an idiot? Wall street has nothing to do with the destruction of the nation, It’s The White house that is destroying the country. Stop being ignorant and blaming everything on the “predators” that are the reason America is so great.
37. Steve Vance | 10.05.09
Maybe this will show America what we have coming if we don’t stop meddling in other peoples’ business overseas. If we don’t get out of Iraq and Afghanistan NOW, this is what is going to happen. The world outnumbers us. We WILL NOT WIN. They attacked us on 9/11 for a reason. It’s not their fault - it’s OURS. If we don’t make drastic changes now, this sort of thing WILL come to pass. It’s a simple matter of numbers and time.
38. Chuckles | 10.05.09
Not only is this offensive but Activision just jumped the shark on their most critically and commercially viable properties.
For those who don’t know the game the Modern Warfare franchise centers around “non-state actors” i.e. terrorists causing global havok. It’s one thing for spacemen, some distant nuclear war, or some other far-fetched entity to destroy the White House, Supreme Court, and invade America. It’s a completely different thing when a game that stakes it’s claim as a meticulously researched and photo-realistic representation of modern combat represents terrorists invading and destroying Washington on an epic scale. Furthermore in terms of taste, I feel depicting one of the primary targets of the 9/11 attacks being completely destroyed by terrorists is disrespectful to the memory of those citizens who sacrificed themselves in taking down Flight 93. The plausibility of such an attack strikes too close to home.
In terms of critical reception I think the whole event is a “cheap cash-in”. The Modern Warfare franchise was received well not only because of its excellent gameplay but because of its serious storyline that served as an anagram to ongoing crises. If you will the “quiet wars” fought by elite forces even as we speak. Somehow I feel that the foes from Modern Warfare 1 being able to mount a successful invasion of the United States is just going outside the scope of the franchise. A small scale “24″ style attack is way more plausible a massive invasion just seems out of order.
I hope Activision reins in the property for Modern Warfare 3 because part of what sets the franchise apart from other shooters (besides awesome gameplay) is it’s awesome premise.
39. american nationalism | 10.06.09
as a vet i take offense to this, what happened to being a proud american? Hollywood and all their cohorts should be ashamed this country needs more nationalism, less liberal ditatorship
40. european | 10.06.09
We europeans laugh at your “sensitivity”. You are dropping bombs on Iraq and Afghanistan as we speak, and yet people whine about imagery in a VIDEO GAME is too hard to handle for the american population.
We laugh at the irony
41. Homunculus | 10.06.09
Andrew Jackson wrote:
How about a video game based on the war of 1812? Would the burning capital be offensive to you? Get over over yourself.
— Old Hickory
====
Good point.
42. honestman | 10.06.09
Isn’t this the same kind of technology our own military uses in training of our troops? The airforce has flight simulators with realistic images, the tank operators have the same thing as well as the sniper school. Get real people.
43. Londoner Lilly | 10.06.09
If America had gone through something like the Blitz in World War 2, I doubt people would be getting so upset about this game. Americans haven’t had the experience of 6 years of hell on their doorstep like we Londoners did. 9/11 was the equivalent of three days at the most of what we went through. We didn’t go into a flap when the kids started playing with toy soldiers four years later, hey, they’d been playing with real shrapnell in ‘45. The US is probably the only country that had not been attacked from outside by 2000 so a lot of people have nothing but a few short experiences to go by while the rest of the world just says “oh hum”. Get over yourselves. It’s a game. You’re damn lucky that’s all you’ve had happen here. Just enjoy the game for what it is.
44. Satori | 10.06.09
Poster 11 - are you sure it’s ‘fundies’? Remember that the libs are attacking anyone they think is against the POTUS. Perhaps THEY think this is a plot to overthrow Washington? Personally, I think it is just some crazy person with too much time trying to find a societal problem to fix - like trying to force you to buy “organic salt”. {BTW ~ there is no such thing as “organic salt” because it is an impossibility: organic means CARBON BASED & salt is a silicate} Not every evil in the world is Bush’s fault. Don’t forget Tipper Gore runs the P.M.R.C. - which tries to ban music.
45. Samael | 10.06.09
I want to swear, so bad. The ‘F’ word, despite it’s reputation, is one of the most potent forms of exorcism there is. The questions raises in this article beg for such an exorcism.
I know that if I give into that temptation, I lose. In our society now, we can say anything, without empathy for the pain it causes.
We just can’t swear while doing so.
So I will swallow my anger.
Gather my thoughts.
Maybe this question needs to be asked…
To children in Afghanistan.
Would we like their answer?
What about those in Vietnam, who remember Hanoi in flames?
We hear so often of the ideals we strive to protect, and so little of the voices of those we sacrifice to protect them.
Should we show Washington being bombed?
Has it come to this, are we so fragile that now to even contemplate what has been made terrifyingly real for others might break us?
No wonder then, that our political discourse has become detached from reality.
We are suffocating within our bubble.
46. CJ | 10.06.09
If you think it goes too far just take a look at Hollywood, I am sure the White House has been captured or blown up a number of times in movies and TV. Just last season on “24″ terrorists took over the White House. This is fiction, there should be no controversy here. I find it funny that those that care so much about this could care less if we burn down Paris or Moscow.
47. Jeff | 10.06.09
Excellent way to generate buzz for the game, Andrew Heining. I hope the game makers are paying you well for this article / advertisement. Hey, remember in Planet of the Apes when we saw the ruins of the statue of liberty and realized that the planet was really Earth in the future? Well, when I saw that image I decided to turn to a life of crime. Now I sell drugs to school children and guns to North Korea. There’s no telling what I’ll do now that I’ve seen the white house digitally under attack.
48. SSgt. Matt | 10.06.09
Read the constitution. One of the reasons I am proud to serve our nation is because of the free exchange of ideals no matter how “offensive” to some. I am truly disturbed when I see people try to stifle freedom. Great comments everyone, there are far to many disturbing issues in that article to waste time commenting on.
50. Leave My Games Alone | 10.06.09
So the rage we once felt the day we were unjustly attacked on 9/11 has been redirected towards a fictional “Red Dawn” type videogame? Take this post down before you humiliate yourself any further. I am neither shocked nor dismayed by the images in today’s games. The weakness we show our enemies concerns me more.
BTW, you can destroy Washington D.C. in a similar fashion in “Tom Clancy’s: EndWar” Tom Clancy set off a nuke on U.S. soil in “The Sum of All Fears”. Let’s all dump on Tom Clancy.
51. George | 10.06.09
Hello. This is modern storytelling that humans have been doing for thousands years,, plus. This is our cave painting. Some is based on reality, some is not, some are a mix. This one is a mix. Nothing new here folks ….move along …nothing to see here just move along…..
52. James | 10.06.09
Its interesting to read all these comments about a game that has yet to come out. You have one person who says we need to have more nationalism in our media but fails to take notice of the digital depiction of U.S. Soldiers fighting to reclaim our capital, and on the other side you have people saying how despicable it is that Washington should be destroyed in the first place. For one, this a 2 min trailer, you cannot fully understand the story arc from a 2 min video, as with all trailers these videos are designed to intrigue and lure you in, wait till the game ships then come back here and leave your judgments. As for the article that started this thread, I thought it was very informative, it asked a simple question, do video games go to far? But asking such a broad question will always depend on who you ask.
53. Virgil | 10.06.09
Listen. If al Qaeda ever gets its hands on an A-bomb - even a amall one - Wall Street or Washington, DC, could be obliterated. That’s a possible reality. The game is pure fiction but might presage reality. Let’s hope Mr. Obama is up to the job of keeping al Qaeda out.
54. FLIPTAKU | 10.06.09
Its articles like these that should just be thrown in the trash. I do not believe its offensive in anyway because of the content of the video game, its targeted for mature audiences and it has 1 main goal, make it fun and enjoyable. Its been around 8 years now since the events of 9/11, we can start to relax on these issues atleast, we won’t forget nor make wrong on the name but this is a different location in a fictional future.
It also has been done b4 in video games too like the popular Fallout 3, you guys didn’t even mention Fallout 3 and yet you pin this on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 because of the trailer that showed during last Sunday Night Game. Seriously, if people want to buy it, they can buy it, if people don’t want to buy it, you don’t need to tell em that.
55. Pepto | 10.06.09
Lets not worry about a FICTIONAL VIDEO GAME, but try to focus on stopping global warming or our soldiers dying IN REAL LIFE IN IRAQ. Thanks.
57. ButtFace | 10.06.09
Remember kids, it’s okay to kill another human being as long as you’re on the right team. Go Team America!
58. Scott L | 10.06.09
I’m pretty confounded by this article. Is Mr. Heining suggesting that the virtual destruction of a European or Middle Eastern city is a-ok, but to suggest that American cities might come under attack in the modern age is just beyond the pale? While it’s true that thousands of Americans died in an attack on US soil in recent memory, millions of Europeans died in World War II within (still, even if just barely) living memory. Was Mr. Henining upset by the slew of WWII games?
Games tell stories. Stories about the US under attack are not only riveting and personal for US audiences, but also increasingly relevant. For that matter, it could be argued that showing US cities burning instead of fictional or foreign ones just might give gamers pause as they lose themselves in computerized combat. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing.
59. Kevin | 10.06.09
Wait — it’s not that it’s DC in ruins… it the Washington that Obama is in that’s causing controversy. Had this game setting come out 6 years earlier, we would see a different spin on this.
60. AD | 10.06.09
Post apocalyptic stories have always been popular, and Washington DC has been burned before (war of 1812)so this is not completely outside the realm of plausibility. I think it’s a game - get over it. If you want a serious or not so serious discussion of gaming and other sci-fi go to http://www.clubasvs.net/forum/index.php/index and join the debate.
61. Ben R | 10.06.09
The only thing new about this is that the graphics are becoming much more realistic. It’s funny how no one cared when players are doing the same thing in a pixelated 16-bit video game. But now that the technology has gotten better it is an issue.
62. JCclimber | 10.06.09
The real reason some people are afraid of this video game is because they deeply fear that ordinary Americans may rise up and take back the country by force of arms, like we had to do 233 years ago. And the means for which are built into the Constitution, in case the government forgot who THEY are supposed to be SERVING.
We don’t serve them, they are supposed to serve us. Public service, right? If they won’t listen to us, voting for bills like Stimulus Package #1 and #2, the Environment bills (without even reading any of it), and now healthcare, despite a vast majority opposing those bills…. and well-meaning but clueless idiots keep voting them in to office so that we can’t fire them legally….well, there is always this option, which they rightly fear.
63. Evil Empire | 10.06.09
Offensive !? Huh, I think something like 80% of Americans and 99% of the rest of the world would like to see Washington(Rome) on the Potomac burn.
I am mos def buying the game, it is the shizzle.
64. detroitjoe | 10.06.09
amerika, what is amerika…. do you believe what you see on the tele and in the government controlled media rags that you live in amerika… amerika died long ago, friends… this is some sort of sick joke you are playing on the world
65. Lilith | 10.06.09
The games we play reflect the type of culture/society we are. We approve or disapprove of these things through our capitalist system of buying what we approve of.
People will determine if this is Ok. Me, I’m not buying.
66. Anon314 | 10.06.09
DC in flames? Considering it’s a seat of evil that is destroying the country, not to mention an illegitimate regime (Constitution, what’s that?), I can’t imagine how anyone would find the prospect offensive.
67. Francisco Danconia | 10.06.09
What Mr. Heining should be worried about is the fact that kids and infantile adults get pleasure out of masturbatory enactments of murder.
This game shows the collective subconscious of our culture of violence where atrocities are justified and exalted under veils honor, militarism, patriotic propaganda and the dehumanization of “others”.
When the Social Security checks stop coming, all the brainwashed fight dogs will be running down the streets jumping at each other throats; that is the only way they know to deal with problems.
68. Francisco Danconia | 10.06.09
Sounds like some people are starting to get a little apprehensive about our empire’s future.
69. Mike Moxcey | 10.06.09
Is it worse because it’s a game? Was it better to watch the destruction of the World Trade Center on television because it was real? Before you complain, first decide if you are complaining about television or are complaining about video games.
I know many folks think the violence in video games creates problems but I don’t know any gang-bangers who can sit still long enough to enjoy video games. Instead of making bogus correlations between levels of violence in completely different groups, someone ought to investigate which kinds of people buy and use guns and if they are the same kinds of people who buy and use video games. I think not.
And last but not least, Grand Theft Auto IV is not only a good game, it tells a good story that if it were written down would be one of the all-time classics right up there with Mario Puzo.
70. Nigel Watt | 10.06.09
So depicting impoverished Eastern Europeans having their lives destroyed is all well and good, but depicting the same thing happening to the parasite class that has always inhabited Washington is “offensive”? Moronic.
71. Jason H | 10.06.09
I assume the “post 9/11″ gamer should be required to snipe brown people in the desert half-way around the world. Or fly a drone into a Pakistani funeral. That would be much less offensive. Modern Warfare 2 appears to be inline with Christian Just War theory, where self-defense is the only moral justification for war.
72. Brutus II | 10.06.09
Ok my turn, I first saw this article on LewRockwell.com (check it out). Call of Duty is violent and if parents are parenting, actually taking responsiblility for themselves and their children, they won’t let young kids play this. Additionally, I’m sure it offends some people with its violence, but so what!? If they are trying to stop me from playing it, they are the same ones trying to regulate morality. I enjoy the games they’ve put out and will continue to play them. The question should be, what is, or what should be the role of our military according to our constitution?
At least in this video game, its depictions of our soldiers fighting an enemy on a DOMESTIC front utilizes the only rationale for having a standing army. There is no reason constitutionally or otherwise that gives justification for our military being spread throughout the world, including Iraq; Afghanistan, maybe. It wasn’t that long ago, 11 years, that the right accused Clinton of empire building and policing the world, but those same people were quiet when Bush began his attempts at the same in Iraq. We, the American public were fooled into accepting that war in our search for revenge for 9/11.
Wake up America, they are all fighting for the same thing from two different sides. Stop the left/right arguments and begin fighting for libery instead of a Welfare or Warfare totalitarianism. If we don’t start fighting for our right to liberty, and liberty only, we will lose to them both. (search Adam Kokesh on youtube.com if you want to understand the fight we’re actually in)
Check out Lew Rockwell’s book “The Left, The Right, and The State” if you actually desire truth (it’s free in Ebook form on Mises.org). Or if you want something easier just read a few articles that interest you on LewRockwell.com and Mises.org.
73. Sgt Ferginator | 10.06.09
Oh come on gez if its a battle in another country we, Americans, seem to be fine with it but when it hits us then we go all crazy. The trailer even said that how we get so offensive when it happens to us. MW2 isn’t just fighting in the US its in Brazil, Russia and other countries should we be offend about battles that go on in other countries, ya see now your not so caring anymore. Come on use some common sense MW2 isn’t the only game with battles going on in the US. Homefront and Fallout 3 have fights going on in the US and going way back to old video games like Duke Nukem had nuclear explosions in NY and you had to kill mutated New Yokers. Its just a fictional game, its not actually doing real events in the eyes of the bad people. In that picture it looks like you are a Marine storming to the white house to take back control from these, soon to be dicovered, enemy. This game should be looked at a patriotism fighting and dying for your country, think of it that way. As you fight along side marines to take back control of the White house and to, remember the Military & Govt. oath: “Defend the US Constitution against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC” you get part in fighting for your country. I think they also have the 1st amendment to protect them on this issue.
PS i wonder what enemy is capable of taking on the US on our soil because DC is well protected from a sea invasion. We have the US coast guard, Navy, Marines, Army, and Air Force near that location. So we will just have to see. So excited!!! XD
74. G$ | 10.06.09
Plenty of movies have portrayed disaster striking well known cities, and most of society accepts these movies without too much concern.
At the same time it is certainly glorifying warfare and may desensitize many easily influenced gamers to very tragic events. Those above who have indicated that DC in flames is in some way are evidence of this. But I think this is a bigger issue, not one just pertaining to this particular game.
75. Justin | 10.06.09
Unfortunately, I think the problem is that the author is looking for something to get a rise out of people. In fact, the fact that 9/11 brought the reality of destruction on US soil is exactly why this sort of thing exists.
Fiction (whatever the medium) tends to reflect the spirit of the time. And 9/11 makes the topic of domestic attacks perfect subject matter for contemporary fiction. Controversial? Probably, but some of the best fiction is.
77. Ben | 10.06.09
Too soon?
How about not soon enough?
Obviously I haven’t played the game, but the message of the trailer is very clear. This isn’t just mindless destruction of US icons for shock value. The premise established in this trailer is critical.
Most war games (including previous entries in the CoD franchise) amount to little more than (admittedly fun) belligerent nationalism as you whoop on those dirty, evil foreigners. An expression of American exceptionalism at its finest.
I hope this game will move away from that. I hope it will recognize that war does not just kill an abstract, inhuman enemy but real, fragile men, women, and children. I hope that it acknowledges that there are consequences to such brutality.
78. soundnfury | 10.06.09
The trailer for the Emmerich’s upcoming destrucionfest 2012 shows the White House getting crushed by an aircraft carrier. Does the film go too far? Is it offensive?
79. VS41 | 10.06.09
Remove this article from the internet. I should hope the writer is not paid for writing such trivial, ridiculous nonsense. It’s a videogame, so the author’s point was invalid the very moment he thought it’d be offensive. As for 9/11, it’s almost a decade now, those not directly affected by it have gotten over it for the most part. Don’t compare 9/11 to a videogame depicting America under attack. You’ll just make yourself look ignorant.
80. Rodrigo | 10.06.09
Looks like the FAIL TRUCK has arrived, courtesy of Christian Science Monitor.
United States and their symbols have been destroyed countless times on movies and TV. Why are you complaining with this one? I know is hard to keep relevant, but seriously, avoid this kind of stuff. This is a classic reason why many people is not taking religions seriously.
One last thing: IT´S JUST A GAME. GET OVER IT.
81. hmmmm | 10.06.09
so right it im surprised lots of people commenting on how it didnt go to far
im proud of you guys 
yeah war on US soil so what just a game what about that liberty game where nazis were in new york did anyone affend that game? i think not so why should you affend a modern day game and a war in the US probably not gonna happen get over it dont like it dont play it
plz publish me 
82. Dante’s Inferno? | 10.06.09
No, I don’t believe it goes too far. There have been many countries throughout history, and there may be many more before we see the end of things as they are now, but perhaps it takes recreational entertainment such as this to remind us of things more temporal in nature, and focus our energy on things more eternal.
Simply put: Is your allegiance best served to a flawed country or to a more perfect rule? There are games set to release in the next few months that have players fighting through (and graphically displaying) “nine circles of hell”, only to end up “defeating the Prince of Darkness” all for the chance to “[free] his beloved”. Let the world do what it will, and speak out against what is truly wrong.
83. Courtenay | 10.07.09
So, so many people screaming “It’s only a game, it’s only a game, get over it!”, and yet only one or two touching on a deeper issue: Why do people (some of them at least) consider watching, or vicariously “participating” in, a violent bloodbath to be a form of entertainment?
Maybe there’s no proven correlation between playing violent video games (or watching violent movies) and committing actual acts of violence. But is it still necessarily a healthy thing for ever-more-realistic images of warfare to be taken as mere “fun”?
And do you Americans realise just how obnoxiously war-addicted, gun-saturated and violent your nation appears to much of the rest of the world?
84. olstar18 | 10.07.09
You know your right. We should trample all forms of art that we don’t like and destroy everything that America is meant to stand for just because you don’t like the idea of DC being shown as ruins in a video game.
85. Andrew | 10.07.09
Let me ask you this. Do you think that Call of Duty World At War was going “Too Far” when it showed the Reinstag burning and allowed you to burn Nazi soldiers and blow their limbs off?
I think German World War 2 veterans and their familys might be oh so offended of that.
What about Fallout 3. In that you can loot the Declaration of Inderpendace from the archieves and see the destruction of a nuclear bomb hitting DC.
Don’t you think that might offend some Patriotic Americans who don’t want to see their beloved capital in ruins?
What about Reistance:Fall of Man? In that it depicts many British towns destroyed and the bodies of Brits lay dead on the streets.
Don’t you think that might offend some Brits who don’t want to see their home town in ruins?
What about… Oh forget it. Basically every game in existance has the potential to offend people in some way. What difference does it make if the US capital is depicted burning to the ground in this game when in Call of Duty Modern Warfare you see a Middle Eastern city in chaos and eventually getting Nuked?
Don’t you think that might offend some… Oh wait, its different because its American soil when in that game it was Iraqi soil. Get over it. 9/11 wasn’t yesterday. Just shut up and get on with your life…
86. gooniegoogoo | 10.07.09
I live in DC….i find no offense in this game trailer nor the premise of a fictional / future conflict occurring on US Soil. And i don’t think most who live here would either.
When you live in DC….you pretty much know that it’s pretty much THE top target. As any educated person would surmise…..its kind of a no brainer as the President, The government, and Upper echelon of military leadership is centered in the area.
Given that humongous FALLOUT 3 ads were posted all over the metro here in grand fashion last year……and most washingtonians didn’t even bat an eye (Bethesda Software is located right next to DC in Bethesda MD)……it is possible that this article is making a mountain out of a mole hill.
87. mareo2 | 10.07.09
Ridiculous. Did americans care at all that in video games they made others peoples countries looks scorched to the ground? Of course not. What make you different? You can do it to others but cant with to yourself?
88. Dr. Mansfield | 10.07.09
There is a difference between a game and reality. Also the “Post 9/11 audiance” that the article is talking about is filled with a wide range of people with around 30-36% of those people being kids who can’t even remember 9/11. I understand what people are thinking but there was a recent game, “Fallout 3″ that was a hit and it also showed the destroyed ruins of D.C. The fact of the matter is that these scenes will have no inpact on a anyone’s life, unless they have had previous military contacts and/or been in the military.
89. Thumper | 10.07.09
BIG DEAL. If your going to rant and rave about a video game showing a war on US soil, then you and your website better devote all your time to laying just as much critizism to EVER movie Hollywood makes. Find something better to do with your time than to try and Make problems !
90. Rodrigo | 10.07.09
@ Courtenay
There´s not deeper issue: it´s still a game. There are even more violent games (and movies)than Modern Warfare. You don´t know anything about videogames (with all due respect) so is easy for you criticize things that you don´t really know.
Not every game is violent and not every violent game is on the same level and gamers aren´t always looking for the most violent game.
91. West | 10.07.09
“But in the upcoming “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2/Infamy” one thing stands out: the gallant mansion reduced to rubble doesn’t belong to some crazed separatist dictator hellbent on all kinds of nefarious acts. Instead, it’s the White House. The scenes of post-apocalyptic scenes of carnage play out not in some fictional town in eastern Europe, but in Washington D.C. itself.”
..but you said the mansion did NOT belong to some crazed separatist dictator hellbent on all kinds of nefarious acts.
92. Common Sense | 10.07.09
How is the burning of the White house any different then the destruction of the countless other cities in previous games? Why is D.C. so special that It must remain unharmed in al virtual worlds? It’s not and it’s been done before. It’s just a video game, presenting a warfare scenario for the player’s satisfaction, its not like the makers of the game had terrorizing the capital in mind.
95. John | 10.07.09
wow, just had a fun time of watching all your comments, must say, the world takes all kinds
**preorders the game**
96. PinSniper | 10.07.09
@Courtenay It’s not violence we look for. It’s story, gameplay, taking part in something that has an extremely slim chance of actually happening. Sometimes you need the violence to get the point across.
I think we need to have this kind of imagery in a virtual environment. It helps remind people of what we’ve got, and what those of us in the military fight to protect. We serve so that you don’t have to, so that you can sit behind your computer all day and put this kind of stuff on the internet.
The question you should be asking is this:”How would we react if this event was actually happening?”
97. HaHaaaaaa! | 10.07.09
This is the best piece of commercial advertising I’ve seen in Months.
I bet InfinityWard is eating this up right about now.
98. Alaron | 10.07.09
War is part of the human mind and psyche. It’s been going on since before we gained intelligence, it will continue until we extinguish. Fact.A game is fictional reality. A movie is fictional reality. A book is fictional reality. Why not ban post-apocalyptic movies and books while we’re discussing Call of Duty and it showing the D.C. area in ruins?
And as for America being the “only” country full of violence, remember a few things:
Warhammer and Warhammer 40k, games that promote bloodshed and animalistic violence (along with the Black Library books) were created in England. Germany and Russia have done some very abhorrent and VERY REAL things that have decimated millions. Violence in the Middle East occurs daily, even where America is not involved. Civil wars rage globally, from South America to Africa. Riots occur, death happens.
Don’t get so caught up with a video game, out of all things, citing the imaginary violence it has. Do not forget that America is not the only place were violence occurs/is seen/or is thought about. Real news is out there. Find it, and report that instead.
99. Zach | 10.07.09
I, like others have, find it interesting that murder, death, destruction, and war are perfectly acceptable as long as they do not occur on American soil. And this is from someone who’s a fairly strong nationalist.
100. Iscariot | 10.07.09
Fallout 3 bombed DC and Turning Point: Fall of Liberty decorated it with Swastikas. They happen in alternate histories so people just saw “Oh its just made up”
This sequel takes place in a world where a nuke was set off in the middle east and Russian Ultranationalists nearly nuked every major city in the word. Yeah, that’s not made-up
102. Amy | 10.07.09
Creepy. Very creepy.
I don’t see why we would release a video game depicting us destroying ourselves. This video game is really being marketed to other countries to give them the satisfaction of destroying the USA and the President.
People who would love to drive fast cars play racing games to get the “rush.” People who play this game will get a “rush” as well, but one of ultimately killing innocent people, all of whom are American.
I think that it is sad someone would actually buy this for their kids, because it promotes violence towards America. Just what America needs.
I don’t like all these video games about killing people. Racing is one thing. But these video games are not good for people’s souls.
103. mo pickens | 10.07.09
@Courtenay
You do realize that we(as humans) have only, for a very short time, tried to put a cap on our natural instinct to act out in violent ways. Now im not condoning any violence in real life but were apes ma’am, and apes can get pretty violent. Look at a time line, we started out killing and were goin out killing.
AND!!! open your eyes, every nation has violent video games and movies. It might not be mainstream but with the rise of bit-torrenting its everywhere now. Don’t live in some fluffy fantasy world you’ve created in your head.
104. Soco | 10.07.09
Oh my god!! I can’t believe they would dare do something that not everyone liked. How un-american of them!!!!
Here’s a new one for you: “Christian Science Monitor: Does questioning freedom of expression go to far?”
105. Pizza | 10.07.09
Is the Modern Warfare game’s depiction of a destroyed DC in bad taste?
So far I don’t think so.
As a New Yorker, I am keenly aware that millions if not billions of inhabitants on this planet would be quite happy to see the US destroyed.
So far Call of Duty games have been excellent, this is technically not a Call of Duty game because it is fictitious, hopefully it stays that way.
107. Nate | 10.07.09
It’s not offensive,
In fact good riddance I say.
America is the biggest terrorist in the world anyways.
It might put some things in perspective for the overly patriotic.
108. LifeStealerX | 10.07.09
Are you serious! Wow. I cant wait for this game! Game of the year no question and yall are complaining about 9/11? Useless topic.
109. gmr | 10.07.09
To be honest if someone wanted, to they could find something in every game to be offended by.
110. ThisIsRidiculous | 10.07.09
This can’t be serious…Wow. You must be running out of things to write about. I thought we were over blaming video games for things that are wrong with our society.
111. Kaizer the Usual Suspect | 10.07.09
I personally knew people who lost they’re lives on 9/11… but I’m a comprehensive strong minded person who knows the difference of reality and virtual. I wouldn’t allow my emotions to carry me away to the same disdain feeling that 9/11 brung upon me in the past.
This nation needs to stop it with the baby attention, get back on its feet and worry about the truths and realities of future endeavors instead of focusing on mere virtual entertainment.
112. Josh/Foxhound | 10.07.09
No one wants to see their land destroyed. However I personally am not offended. As a person with enough reasoning to understand many things are plausible I think it is something that will happen one day and therefore I am not afraid or offended. Is it though a foreshadowing of the future? Of course not. Is it an emphasis on the “moral” actions of America and those action’s repercussions? Not at all. It is dramatic fictional content which is meant to reach us at an emotional level. However it is not an emotional attack and should not be seen as such.
The issue of 9/11/01, yes I put the year in to show how long ago it was, should be something we should acknowledge and respect but should not be an acutely sensitive wound that is opened every time someone questions America or something “Anti-American” is displayed. I think we as a global community, Citizen of the World speaking, are ready for such images. We were ready five years ago. We are ready today. Infinity Ward and many other respected developers, since this argument could have been taken with Fallout 3/Bethesda, retain the capacity to display such images and story effectively and tastefully. This is fictional work. Not the voice of a man blaring across a nation wishing ill will and failure against our country’s leaders and the ambitions of our nation or the at times mildly racist caricature of politician. I believe that if you want to find something going too far you need only look there and look home rather than digital and fictional content. There are Americans and other citizens of other countries putting forth content that is far more destructive. That which wears down and dilutes the ideal of both American and world values.
114. Tdubstunts | 10.07.09
Honestly, I don’t think it’s gone to far. It is a videogame but nobody has said anything regarding any other title that’s taken war to those countries. I think it just adds to the intensity that all call of duty games have had.
115. Gamer | 10.07.09
So it’s ok to run around in bombed out Middle Eastern countries, but when it strikes home, it’s too far? And by the way, MW2 is not the first game with a bombed out DC, Fallout 3 had a nuked DC.
116. Frank | 10.07.09
@Amy:
The player does not attack Americans, he/she DEFENDS them.
Your entire argument is based on a complete misconception.
117. Chris | 10.07.09
Well I found it too soon, and I’ve argued on a number of forums about it only to get torn up. So, I agree with you! I will still buy and play this game, however..it’s just strange.
118. YouPeopleAreCluless | 10.07.09
Anyone ever heard of Fallout 3? In that game all of DC is a nuclear wasteland, yet somehow American society didn’t self-destruct. Get a grip. Games aren’t only kid’s toys anymore.
119. Matt | 10.07.09
This reakes of censorship.
Besides, whats the difference between this and a movie where New York gets obliterated?
120. Sam | 10.07.09
So seeing American soldiers fight and die for their country in the capital is not an image we want to promote?. Emphasis on the title, Call of Duty…
121. Mizi | 10.07.09
Psh grow up its a game. 99.9% of the people who read this would laugh. Watch if this were the CN tower on fire in Canada we wouldnt here anything bout it but cause its America we would hear complaints
122. Will | 10.07.09
@Amy - You are misinformed both in your idea of what the game is about and why people play these type games. Next time, rather then totally assuming everything about the game and why people play it, try a little research.
The other thing that really bothers me is why do you feel sad for a parent that buys this for a child? Its a mature rated game, in movie terms its Rated R, aka not for kids, its says so clear as day right on the FRONT of the box. If a parent buys this for there child with out researching the content, they are a BAD parent, and you should feel sorry for the child, not the bad parent.
123. Nonbiblethumpr | 10.07.09
It is a GAME> Furthermore maybe it is GOOD to show what can happen if we get COMPLACENT WITH OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AGAIN
As far as groups protesting the game gimme a break. You have to BUY the game to play it.
124. Alex | 10.07.09
You’re about a year late, Fallout 3 was already centered around post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. Do you people really have nothing else to complain about? Did the over-hyped swine flu or the fictional global warming get old?
125. Sean | 10.07.09
I don’t see the article as stating one opinion or another regarding MW2’s use of DC. I live in DC and though I don’t find it all offensive or jarring, the point is valid. Are we desensitizing ourselves to the possible destruction of our national icons? The key will be in how the game portrays the destruction. Does it come with a retribution for those that destroyed the city? Does it support our national pride that through the destruction of the capital, we persevered and brought order and peace back?
126. Carter Wise | 10.07.09
No, it definitely has not gone too far. I don’t even know if a game CAN go too far, because that’s all it is: a game.
In my opinion, no one should care so much about something depicted on a computer screen. As others have said, it’s no different than disaster movies.
127. Johann | 10.07.09
So did 9/11 suddenly cause every American to become an emotional child? Honestly! As if the very image of a war-torn DC is going to suddenly sunder the last of our sanity and we’ll all be running feral through the streets of America!
By implication, this article suggests that we cannot discern for ourselves what is worth our time and attention and that we are mentally incapable of coping with visions of familiar AMERICAN landmarks being subjected to the terrors of war. I’m sorry our media has such a low opinion of us.
128. Leland | 10.07.09
As with any dramatic story worth telling, it’s trying to prove a point and a good one at that. It’s easy to think about war when it’s in some far away place but when it hits home it creates a stronger moral connection with the audience. We as Americans should know by now that we are by no means invincible, and if that disturbs you, you might want to open your eyes.
129. Matt | 10.07.09
Really?
People are offended by this? Its not like your invading D.C… You’re defending it.
131. Jayross | 10.07.09
I don’t see how this is connected to 9-11, a terrorist attack on two buildings (for the record, I was 11 blocks away from them when they fell) and a military attack on D.C. First of all, one is real, and one isn’t.
I am really looking forward to playing this game, in the first one we were fighting people overseas, the story was a lot of fun, but there wasn’t any way I could relate to it.
Infinity Ward has peaked my interest with this trailer, and right now I am thinking, why does this person care about potential offensive content, when he could be thinking about more important questions like “How did they take over the white house?”. I am really looking forward to playing this game, and finding out how a foreign force was able to achieve so much destruction on our soil, and will be more than happy to eliminate the threat. It is clear that people who are offended by this game, do not have any particularly strong interest in first person shooters, or video games at all.
132. Malachi Krieg | 10.07.09
Okay, even though this is all utter nonsense, it’s NOT the first time we have seen the Capital in this state “on screen”. Fallout 3 beat them to that punch for video games. Dead Zone beat them on television. Whoops, were those conveniently forgotten? It certainly looks that way to me.
I was personally present at the Pentagon area days after the attack. I have friends who lost friends and family in the Twin Towers. Time to get over it a bit. We can hide our head in the sands like the Germans have, hence why Nazis aren’t allowed in video games in Germany… 60+ freakin’ years later. Or we can move on and take these pieces of fantasy for what they areL Fantasy.
133. SMP | 10.07.09
Wow, I dont go on this site, but I think the people have spoken….. MODERN WARFARE 2 RULZ!!!!!!! Infinity Ward knows what theyre doing, if you say otherwise, then obviously, you dont know Infinity Ward….
134. StrayXL | 10.07.09
Its a Game People Games helps Releases stress, and gives people some excitement in life if you had to work at a desk job just typing for 8 hours straight Wouldnt you be board?, if your a child being bullyied or school is getting you stressed wouldn’t games help you? Its a game GET OVER IT!
135. God | 10.08.09
People need to stop complaining about games.
Games are fictional, meaning they are based on their OWN story, in their OWN settings. Ok, they might take things from the real world and put them in just to enhance the feeling of playing the game. SO WHAT!
IF you dont like it DONT PLAY THE GAME.
136. Lee | 10.08.09
In japan cities compete to be in the next Godzilla movie.. and here our fragile little psyche can’t seem to grasp the difference between fantasy and reality? Or do we love to complain this much?
137. Zero | 10.08.09
Seems like someone is getting FLAMED!
For mentally weak people who can’t just accept what happened 8 years ago this kinds of things will cause a short circuit in their minds like what happened with you, but for people who can accept things and can clearly see this is just a game it means nothing. A lot of movies have already destroyed DC and shall I talk about the game fallout 3? I think you are just trying to leech a little fame from this AWSOME game criticizing it. Actually it already worked with me because you made me access your web page.
138. Gabriele | 10.08.09
The Christian Science Monitor did right to write this artical! The negative reaction to it from parts of the game-scene here in Germany are really alarming and should arouse responsible “game-makers”. It is high time to wake up! To say:”it’s just a game - so what?”, followed by hateful comments from misguided individuals is intolerable and it is downright stupid. Any game can be a role model for labile and dense characters as proven many times in school shootings etc. In her book ‘Science and Health’ Mary Baker Eddy writes: This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces… During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil;..On one side there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace. Let’s hope for the latter!
140. Exercist | 10.08.09
“Its a game! its’ [sic] not real! it didn’t happen!”
Actually, it did. On 24 August 1814, British land and naval forces, augmented by militia from British North America, raided Washington, setting fire to the White House, and indeed necessitating the subsequent paint job that made it the White House. The raid was a relatiation for the US raid on Fort York (Toronto), and its success contributed to the defeat of President Madison’s attempt to seize control over British North America.
142. hunter | 10.08.09
We the adults of this country should focus on real life issues like the way our country is being run in to the ground by our new goverment like forced health care.and our conflict in Afaganastan.or our gun rights.let children be children that is our problem we expect children to be adults and there fore are pushing them into adulthood.AFTER ALL WHAT IS A GAME?Just a game so you adults finding this offensive grow up get a life its just a game.
143. Jambe | 10.08.09
As others have said, Mr Heining, you REALLY NEED to do one of two things:
1: grow up
2: start treating your audience as if they were grown ups
This trailer didn’t “go too far”. It’s a trailer for a game. It’s make-believe. If adults are incapable of discerning the difference between fantasy and reality they should be locked up. If parents raise children without instilling in them appreciation for life then they, too, ought to be locked up.
144. Dumb article | 10.08.09
I’m not sure if the Christian Science Monitor knows, but there’s a difference between reality and fantasy.
Mountain; meet molehill.
145. Rodrigo | 10.09.09
@ Gabriele:
Once again: IT´S JUST A GAME.
This is just fear mongering. Next you´ll be terrorized by Saturday morning cartoons.
And that quote from that book just points the obvious thing about human history: conflict. And the comment about “wicked minds” (uh, scary stuff indeed) sounds more like politicians than gamers.
146. FinalZero | 10.09.09
I cant wait to buy the game, its a game and that’s that. But I did note something.
09/11/01
The date the game comes out
11/10/09
Anyone see something there besides myself? Irony much?
148. Castro | 10.10.09
don’t worry America, unlike in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq etc. I am sure the States will be gloriously triumphant in Modern Warfare 2 and may actually win a fight…
oh & every country plays video games, but not every country has numerous school shootings per year… perhaps look to your absurd gun licensing laws as most nations do.
150. phones | 10.10.09
wow i love how they rip on a game because of its popularity, a lot of games had the same thing in it, and some even worse then this. like in turning point when the white house gets taken over by NAZI!
151. dennis | 10.11.09
really funny american way of life ..get over 9/11 what about when you drop the atomic bomb not 3000 dead but more like 100000 dead. and by the way it a game not real life try to play somtime and you will see
152. Sleem Baker | 10.11.09
This is what will happen in real life. This is could happen and I don’t think the game makers are taking it too far. It is actually almost true. Who knows if terrorist do attack the capital. It happened in the war of 1812 with the british. This video is inspiring
153. Bloodhound | 10.11.09
Don’t get it, where is the offence? Thousands die everyday in some conflict across the globe one way or another, but the virtual burning of Washington is taboo? So it’s ok for anyone else’s world to be destroyed in the real world but… please lord don’t burn us virtually! You played Tom Clancy’s End War, hell I’ve burned Washington several times! get a life, get real, if a terrorist is going too attack, he wont get the idea from a game, did the IRA during its terror campaign in the UK? Oh no wait they where fighting for freedom by killing civilians, but thats ok isnt it?
154. Inunnguaq Christiansen | 10.13.09
Ur whining about Washington DC’s being destroyed? think of world war 2.. more than 60 million people died there.. and u aint even whining about that so many games are about world war 2?
155. Josh | 10.18.09
It’s just a videogame get over it. I would understand if 9/11 happend last year but its almost a decade ! And guess what I already have this game pre ordered! It’s going to be EPIC… plain and simple.
xOGX SHADOW
156. Zyn | 10.26.09
other games have shown a war-torn U.S. since 9/11; games like Turning Point (however terrible that game might have been) and even Fallout 3, which made D.C. into a gigantic pile of rubble after a nuclear explosion! Americans have been desensitized to war because we have never had a war fought on U.S. soil. These games give us a glimpse of what a war at home might really look like.
157. jacob | 10.30.09
As the grandchild of a WW2 soldier, I can say that war isn’t pretty.
These days, it seems as though people are trying to show us war as it is, rather than what it isn’t. a gruesome, terrifying time. hearing my grandfather talk about the war, I know that it can be upsetting to see your hometown burn, to see the pain and suffering of your county, imagined or not.
Just rerember that all things pass with time, and don’t forget our rights.
159. Sle7ennn | 11.01.09
Who ever wrote this article should probably change professions. Get over your self. Its a video game which is rated mature for a reason. There is no story here, do your homework first….
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
1. Twitter Trackbacks for ‘Modern Warfare’ trailer: Does Washington burning go too far? | csmonitor.com [csmonitor.com] on Topsy.com | 10.05.09
4. Modern Warfare 2 imagery already upsetting people| XboxSold.com where you find Everything Xbox| XboxSold.com BLOG | 10.06.09
5. Modern Warfare 2 imagery already upsetting people | Video Gamer Now-The Ultimate Gaming and Entertainment Site | 10.06.09
6. Modern Warfare 2 imagery already upsetting people| Latest breaking News on Video Games Hardware and Software.| BadPower.com Blog | 10.07.09
10. Christian Science Monitor Wrings Hands Over Modern Warfare 2’s D.C. [Modern Warfare 2] | Tech-monkey.info Blogs | 10.07.09
12. Christian Science Monitor Wrings Hands Over Modern Warfare 2’s D.C. [Modern Warfare 2] | zacsgames.com | 10.07.09
13. Christian Science Monitor Wrings Hands Over Modern Warfare 2’s D.C. [Modern Warfare 2]| Latest breaking News on Video Games Hardware and Software.| BadPower.com Blog | 10.07.09
17. Did MW2 go too far in depicting a burning DC? - Halo 3 & Halo 3: ODST Forum | Eve-Films | 10.07.09
18. Blame Gaming ~ Fearful Warnings of Video Game Terror (for concerned citizens) » Blog Archive » List: Call of Duty Follows Trend of Post 9/11 ‘Tragedexploitation’ | 10.08.09
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1. TB | 10.05.09
utter nonsense how much do you get paid to write this article its a video game…