This screengrab, from footage reportedly leaked from Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2, shows the player seconds before he opens fire on a crowd of civilians at an airport security checkpoint.
(Screengrab)Photos (1 of 1)
Modern Warfare 2 airport terror attack stirs controversy
Leaked footage of Modern Warfare 2 has caused an uproar, and prompted a response from the game's publisher.
By Andrew Heining | 10.29.09
More like Media Warfare 2?
For the second time in a month, Modern Warfare 2, a video game set to be released Nov. 10, is in the headlines for its disturbing imagery.
The counterterrorism simulation first raised eyebrows when an ad for it that ran during Monday Night Football showed Washington D.C. in flames after a terrorist attack.
Now new leaked footage of the game is giving more people pause. Publisher Activision said the video was “taken from a copy of game that was obtained illegally and is not representative of the overall gameplay experience.”
Disturbing imagery
The clip posted online Wednesday shows the player assuming the role of a terrorist carrying out a calculated attack at an airport. The player joins a team of four terrorists who use automatic weapons and explosives on civilians waiting at a security checkpoint before shooting their way through a terminal.
Activision, in response to concerns that arose from such graphic imagery, issued the following statement:
Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 features a deep and gripping storyline in which players face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse. The game includes a plot involving a mission carried out by a Russian villain who wants to trigger a global war. In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism.
In addition, Activision said that before starting the game, which is rated Mature by the ESRB, players must pass through a mandatory “check point,” a warning that upcoming gameplay may contain “disturbing elements, and they can choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene.”
Does it go too far?
Much of the commentary on gaming sites (where Modern Warfare 2 is a highly anticipated title and a favorite for game-of-the-year honors) has defended the game and its publishers. The popular opinion among gamers is basically “people can choose not to play it if they’re offended by it.” Another popular argument is that this type of atrocity happens every day in the real world, and that not showing it in a video game is just naive. Defenders of violent video games are also quick to point out the weak links between video games and violence in the real-world.
Still, others, like “ferntfactor,” who commented at GameSpot, think this part of the game goes too far:
i just saw the video. there’s “a line”, and i think that line has been crossed with this inclusion. morally, there is an enormous difference between trained combatant vs. combatant and combatant vs. innocent civilians. so this is not just like D-Day or Pearl Harbor scenes. i realize this is reality, and yes, it happens in the world every day, but it’s cruel, gutless and sickening, and i think putting players behind the gun in this situation is going too far.
Others, including the game’s publisher, point out that games from the Call of Duty series often depict graphic scenes as an attempt to bring out the atrocities of war.
Stopping a leak
Activision’s copyright minders are keeping a close eye on video sites across the Web to try to stop copies of the video from getting out, but as usual with the Web, once something’s out, it’s out.
The original copy of the footage was reportedly first posted to CNN’s iReport video site, and has since been removed.
The footage this writer saw was in French, and was recorded from a home TV set that clearly showed its controller-toting owner in its reflection.
A boycott, but not for content
Some were speculating that because of the publicity the game has received surrounding its striking imagery, a protest or boycott by family values organizations would spring up. So far none has, but fans of the game’s PC version have proposed one of their own.
The beef springs from Infinity Ward’s decision not to allow user-run dedicated servers for online multiplayer gameplay. An online petition reportedly garnered 135,000 signatures, and many have canceled their pre-orders of the game.
Gamer’s Nexus user “Lelldorianx”called for upset users to cancel their pre-orders, avoid buying future products from the publisher, and urged them not to talk about the game in an effort to quell publicity.
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3. maccvare | 10.29.09
i think modern warefare takes u into the action 2 give the most realistic game they can i dont see anything wrong with it i will still be there 4 when the doors open 2 get my copy it depicts real life but this is still a GAME most games have u kill people,rob banks,drive over the speed limit and sell drugs there just GAMES im 30 and never done the above but played GAMES like this 4 years and will do so 4 many more
4. Dude | 10.29.09
Ah… Activision brainwashing an increasingly ignorant American youth into believing false flag attacks on civilians is good as long as it serves the higher purpose of unlimited war against our enemies. god bless the usa. Make a buck activision… rake in those dollars with this controversy
5. A dude | 10.29.09
COME ON! In Grand Theft Auto you’re killing civilians all the time! You even jack cars! GTA is worse and people are freaking about this!
6. Some dude in Toronto | 10.29.09
Why do the moralists always pop out of the woodwork to take ownership of these things? They don’t own morality any more than the people who create this imagery do.
I’ve been dusting Space Invaders and crushing cops in elevators (Elevator Action) since the dawn of the video-gaming age, yet this fad of condeming video games only seems to have spiked recently. I grew up pretty well rounded, so it can be safely said it isn’t the games that’s messing up our kids.
Modern Warfare 2? Bring it on!
7. Jinglehimersmith | 10.29.09
Here is another instance of people having nothing better to do then b*tch about people and things that they are doing. Instead of worrying where their kids are, which they are probably out having unprotected sex and doing drugs, they sit at home and complain about everything someone else is doing to take the light off of who pathetic their life is. People get real this is a video game and is made to sell tons of copies and it will do so. I am glad they do this in the game if it happens to be in the game, and like mentioned about GTA is ten times worse then this, hell they used to have people heads pop off when u got a head shot. This game is Rated M for mature, if you cant handle it then grow up and realize this is a game not real life.
8. a guy | 10.29.09
isnt that why the game is rated mature? you have to be a mature person to play this game right?? i honestly cant see why this is such a big deal, yes your shooting inocent civilians but its to infiltrate the terrorist organization. and like every1 before me said, GTA IV is WAY worse. video games are a way to do stuff you cant or wouldnt do in real life, from sports to first person shooters, the whole point is to expierance somthing that u cant in real life…………… ITS A VIDEO GAME!!!! ITS NOT REAL!!!!
9. Wilson Willikers McWiggin | 10.29.09
The level is supposed to be sickening and disturbing, you’re supposed to feel uncomfortable when you pull the trigger. That’s the whole point. You need to see the evil of the terrorist mind with your own eyes to understand what the hell they’re thinking.
And there are loads of other games where you kill civilians at any time with little penalty like GTA. This one, however, has a point to it.
10. graybob | 10.29.09
come on grand theft auto games are so much worse than this and you never see big controversy over that…
11. someone | 10.29.09
*sigh* another one of these….
If you have enough spare time to try to destroy a game because you want to mask us adults from having fun then you need a life. Its rated M. If you don’t like the idea of it don’t buy it for your kids. 18+ means something you know.
Heres a great idea…(sarchasm)
Lets never depict anything violent or gruesome and evil in any way.
Never recreate anything that happened and forget all about it.
Then maybe we can say it never existed then those that fell victim to it died in vain. Kinda saddens you people with high morals to think you may be the cause of a waste of a life huh? These scenes are recreated to show what has happened. If people are put through this they may be more likely to contribute efforts that will stop it from ever happening again?
(sarchasm2)Nah people are complete idiots I bet when Modern Warfare2 comes out, as soon as someone gets to this level they’ll think… I know i’ll go buy a machine gun and shoot innocent civilians in my local airport. It will be fun just like in the game. Because video games are just like real life!
once again *Sigh* not this again…
mediathat went under radar but had similar gameplay and graphic images
*Fallout 3
*Entire GTA series(especially 4-present)
-Military Channel
-All War movies
etc..
Give me some info when you can prove everyone that buys a game will become a terrorist then maybe i’ll care.
But as it stands now I’ll still be there on 11/10/09 at midnight to pick up my copy and play it asap.
12. Johnathan J, | 10.29.09
Really???
Are you really complaining about mature content in a mature rated game INTENDED FOR PEOPLE 17+(18+ in some countries)??
Is this what passes for journalism these days?
If any parent buys this for their child, it’s the equivalent of allowing them to watch pornographic films. The game has an intended audience and the developer has to make the assumption that all players playing the game are MATURE enough to view the content within the product.
Also, to those saying Grand Theft Auto is worse, sure what you can do in the game is worse than what is seen in the video, but Grand Theft Auto doesn’t present itself as a realistic war on terror game. GTA is satirical and is a very playful game that jokes around with this fact. Call of Duty is not satirical or anything. It’s like comparing the violence in a Looney Tunes cartoon to Saving Private Ryan.
15. Vlad | 10.30.09
How many of us are toad stomping, shroom eating nobody’s because I am sure a lot of us played Mario Brothers?
16. David | 10.30.09
To everyone that has mentioned the GTA series: In those games you CAN kill people, steal cars and all of those things but if you have to choose to do it. In MW2, once the player chooses to play the level, they are forced to carry out this “attack”. I find this disturbing because I cannot help remembering similar real life attacks such as the Mumbai attack. The worst thing is that millions of children are going to see this and even though the majority will find it cool one person might think that this sort of behavior is acceptable. Parents should really take a good look at the game before letting their children play it.
17. Mr Southwest | 10.30.09
It really doesn’t matter cause it is still going to come and I going to get. The world is filled with problems but I guess video games are more important. What is the world coming to? Politics and the government have more vulgar secrets than this game!
18. jeff | 10.30.09
The author of this story is completely wrong. They don’t even know the real story. YOU ARE NOT A TERRORIST, YOU ARE AN UNDERCOVER CIA OPERATIVE WHO HAS INFILTRATED THE RUSSIAN ULTRANATIONALIST CIRCLE TO TAKE DOWN MAKAROV. I mean did you wonder why you were executed at the end of the movie? Did you wonder why it said CIA before the mission and after? No, you didn’t, because you, like the rest of the media world, go for the headline that grabs more attention, not one that is factually accurate. you make me sick. You also can opt out of that mission, and it has also been confirmed that you do not have to shoot anyone if you don’t want to, but you will still witness all the killing no less. So, if you are gonna present a story to people, at least tell it truthfully.
19. a guy from pittsburgh | 10.30.09
This game in neither government propaganda nor made for children. A “Mature”-rated game is supposed to be treated the same way as an “R”-rated movie. It’s meant for adults. Is assuming the role of a terrorist intended to increase intensity of the game and accompanying story? I would guess that that was the intention, but I haven’t played the game yet. It is, after all, the sequel to a highly respected game, “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare”. Many movies have taken a similar, multi-persepective approach over the years. They may have been trying to apply the same story-telling technique as films such as “Letters from Iwo Jima”/”Flags of Our Fathers” or “Tora! Tora! Tora!”. I’m not going to condemn or praise this game until I get a chance to see it in context.
20. Wes | 10.30.09
Now I know for a fact that this is just a bunch of media hype. This game DOES NOT put the player in the role of a terrorist. The whole point of this game is centered around fighting terrorism. Sure this is post 9/11 but does anyone who has played these games really think that Infinity Ward would go so low as to have the player butchering civilians? Last I checked that is something the you see in the Grand Theft Auto series not Call of Duty. I don’t see any world war 2 shooters that put you in the position of a Nazi killing prisoners in a concentration camp.
23. Wes Sampson | 10.30.09
Understandably, many commentators ignore a distinction between news and entertainment.
Of course, most of television also ignores the distinction. This is a fundamental weakness of our society.
25. Clxmj | 10.30.09
@16 to David
You wouldn’t let your kids go see an 18 rated movie now would you. The Staff in the stores that sell the games are insructed by law not to sell to anyone under the legal age. Its 18 Rated for Adults - ADULTS FFS! Its bad parenting on your side if you let your kids go out till all hours doing all that sex drugs & rock ‘n roll.. No-one else to blame. Its already been passed through all the ratings board anyways so they knows about it. Failing that mums & dads, spend 5 f’n minutes with ur kids & turn on the bloody parental controls on the consoles!
26. Josh | 10.31.09
QUOTE:
4. Dude | 10.29.09
Ah… Activision brainwashing an increasingly ignorant American youth into believing false flag attacks on civilians is good as long as it serves the higher purpose of unlimited war against our enemies. god bless the usa. Make a buck activision… rake in those dollars with this controversy
________________________________________________________________
REALLY!? You’re that dumb? You really didn’t even read the whole thing. Because if you did, you’d have realized that this ONE gives you the option of not watching it, and TWO it was made to bring out the more overlooked part, thanks to our media, of the controversial issues of the wars going on. This was not portrayed nor would it have ever been as a brainwashing and idiots like you who will never understand because you’ve got your head too far up your ass.
27. realistcally inclined | 11.02.09
this scene, while showing the horrors of global terrorism. Its meant to open eyes to the fact that this stuff occurs but also I’m willing to bet that this horrible gut wrenching, emotion evoking mission will also give players a deeper involvement in the rest of the game. It will make you want to take down the Ultranationalist Cell even more badly. Bottom line, MW2 is gritty, down to earth, and not sugar coated. Cant stand the heat, dont join the fight.
28. Austin | 11.02.09
Did anyone complain about GTA 4? Well yeah but they got over it once it became unpopular to beat up on it. Same thing will happen here, it’s a video game, get over it.
29. a guy | 11.03.09
I only killed 8 peds playing GTA n I wasnt FORCED to like this game tries to do.
30. Anon123 | 11.03.09
I work in a video shop and
just watched a movie on a
preview disk (it hasnt been
released to the public yet)
that featured not only a story
line that follows not only
terrorist plotting to blow up
an American patrol via an IED
but also US marines slaughtering
innocent women and children in
the aftermath. Yet there is no-one
getting riled up about it. I have
seen the Modern Warfare footage in
question, and in comparison the the
movie it is not very disturbing.
I think this is just another attempt
by “anti-gamers” and “gameophobes”
to nit pick at gaming.
I could bring up a long list of games
featuring the slaughter of innocent
animals and people that no-one cares
about.
In reality there is always going to be
needless violence in the world, and
these people need to accept it is
going to happen in the real world and
be potrayed and recreated through media.
I guess had these people been born back
in the Roman gladiator days they would
have had a fit…
31. Reed | 11.03.09
Reply to “a guy” commenter 29:
Straw-man fallacy. You aren’t forced to play this level, they give you a choice. And even if you decided to play the level, they don’t force you to shoot anybody.
32. C_dog897 | 11.03.09
To everyone complaining that GTA doesn’t force the player to kill but Modern Warfare 2 will “Require” It, You need to open your eyes… Come on people are you being serious? “Well In MW2, once the player chooses to play the level, they are forced to complete” Or “They’re forcing us To play this.” Here’s A little secret, There isn’t a soul out there at activision that is planning on coming by your house and holding you hostage making you go out and buy this game for you or your kids, Nor will they make you play through the level in question. You people have nothing “New” to add to the Argument. It’s the same with all the other games you’ve protested. Your not helping your cause. But I will thank you (On behalf of the developers) for the added Publicity your bringing to the table for Activision I hope they put you on the payroll.
I understand where your coming from on this, We all want to keep kids from seeing this kind of material, But responsibility falls in the hands of parents not developers. Granted most parents won’t care (even after seeing the footage) that their Ten year old plays this, It’s a cheap babysitter. But the fault lies with those types of parents. Be the responsible one here and keep the game out of your child’s hands. And we’ll all hope together that more and more Parents will stop depending on other outlets for their children’s safety and focus on it themselves.
33. Paul | 11.03.09
The argument that people should not be bothered by this video game interaction because these sorts of atrocities happen in real life or because there is comparable violence in other media is weak.
When we witness such violence in the news it should rightly disturb us because we are against it. When we witness it in movies or literature it stirs similar passions (because we are against it) and excites our desires to see justice done (that is if we’re not sadistic). We see those things and the higher self is roused to see justice done. We want Jack Bauer to win.
This level asks us to debase ourselves (albeit in fantasy video game realm) and for what purpose?! To better understand the enemy or some similar BS? (And just because Grand Theft Auto games are shameless and continute to sell doesn’t mean that the debate shouldn’t continute.)
If some developer made a “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” cop video game would we be okay with engaging in a virtual/simulated rape or mutilation for the sake of getting in the mind of the perpetrator? Or if it was an undercover cop game, where the cop had to participate in a gang rape to maintain his cover?
Doesn’t that deserve some serious reflection, debate, protest, even action?
34. COD buyer | 11.03.09
It’s just a game and a good game…So buy it, skip the scene if you want, but it no big deal
35. Dude | 11.04.09
You can not judge it by GTA 4. Nor can you say that its alright just to maintain your cover. You can say “It’s just a game” and it is very unlikely someone will try and imitate what they see in the game. I am not going to say Infinity Ward was evil to place this in their game but they needed to use judgement. If in fact it is blatantly a reflection on the horrors of terrorism, then I will congratulate IW at their insightfulness. However, if what they said just turns out to be an excuse then I will say they were wrong. You cannot, however, say “Oh well if you don’t like it, skip it.” I am glad that option was put in the game but justifying your actions by saying that is like saying to a kid “Oh its a great movie. Just fast-forward through the sex scenes.”
36. So | 11.06.09
Your trying to tell me that while people over seas whos country is currently over run by rebal soldiers and some times family members kill other family members, you are here complaining about what happens in a VIRTUAL reality, when ths happens in real life, yet you do nothing? Please, get out of your shell.
37. justin | 11.06.09
so this is worse than grand theft auto, tanks running over things and people drugs guns blood hundreds of innocent`s but like said before it`s a game and just as bad
38. steve | 11.06.09
come on people, i know you cannot truthfully tell me that while playing GTA 1-4 you have not killed hundreds of VIRTUAL innocent bystanders, plus this is only 1 level in the ENTIRE game.<—also it gives you the option to do the level or not please so calm down and enjoy the game
39. notsure | 11.07.09
I know what u guys are saying ill still by this game but,,,, having said that when i just heard about it…. that just gave me wrong feeling and yes i understand ur a cia operatitve but still…. with all of the terriosim and the london bombings i just dont think its right to put that in a game… and yes before u guys jump on the bandwagon beacuse of this i know about gta thats bad to it just… seems to stand against what america is fighting for and regardless of who ur playing its still a terroist level and just dosent feel right what so ever…………..
so go ahead and get mad at me i dont really care just wanted to put my 2 cents in but really before u guys say something just think about the level and whats really going on in the terroist war for a bit
40. notsure | 11.07.09
and its not that people hate games its just the principle of this particular part
41. brent | 11.07.09
this is turning into kinda a big deal. if it bugs you dont support the game. if it doesn’t bug you then have fun with the game. keep in mind this is just one part of the game, there are still alot of other campaign levels, about 28 Spec Op levels, and of course playing ps3 or xbox live.
42. anon | 11.07.09
@ David- This is false when you are playing the level, at any time you can pause the game and skip scene. You also do not have to fire at any civilians the terrorists you are with will shoot no matter what.
@ Wes- You are playing as a terrorist so to speak or C.I.A. and slowly and methodically kill civilians in droves, you can’t even run until the end of the scene.
In case anyone is wondering my local Wal-mart let this one out. They had it marked as the first game, so I bought it. They have since pulled it back off the shelves but they still sold quite a few before that.
43. life-long gamer | 11.08.09
I’m really stoked about this game, and I’m not going to skip this scene. BUT, I’m not going to shoot any civilians. That’s messed up, even in a game.
**On a side note**, the GTA comparison is a moot point because in Call of Duty, you’re a hero. In GTA, you are an anti-hero. A whole world of difference there is between the two.
44. callofdutyfreak | 11.09.09
i have always played call of dutand they’re just games thats all they are. people do not need to freak out about a stupid level this is just the way games are now get used to it or don’t play them.
45. Curt69 | 11.09.09
To me Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 is just another video game and the realism of it will just make it ten times better. If people are upset with it well what ever. Look at GTA4, you can take out civilians there but you don’t hear any parents crying about that. So to me its going to be just another game just a really kick ass one
46. Connor | 11.09.09
Hollywood can litter their crap films with political statements and commentary but when it happens in a game its somehow verboten.. Yes this is controversial, yes it happens every day and to be honest anyone who plays it and thinks its funny is twisted, Much like the pre mentioned movies this is meant to be some kind of social statement I feel and it lives up to that adage brilliantly. In fact to not include something like this in a game that is meant to portray the stark reality of terrorism (from any “side” as all “sides” are guilty of it) is not only naive, its treating us, the gamers, like we cannot discern actual reality from fiction based on reality. Don’t give me any of the “affecting the youth” crap either. I have a son who loves gaming but I would not let him play this game or many others like L4D or GTA IV. Its called PARENTING. When he is old enough (15+ in my eyes) he can play what he wants, hell I’ll even challenge him to some online battles. The responsibility starts first and foremost with those who purchase the game for their kids, NOT the publishers of what is frankly an amazing game (I got it a day early hehehe). Do us all a favour and keep the young ones off this game. Not only will it be a slice of good parenting but will allow the rest of us to play some good games without listening to their whining voices and spammin noob tube tactics.
47. Justaguy | 11.09.09
look,they are just trying to be realistic and there is an option wether to play it or not so i honestly dont se the problem the game is supposed to be in the time set of the world in a horrible place (much like it is today :/) but really this just adds to the realism
48. Genius | 11.09.09
Actually i got the game this weekend and finished the campaign. This level is like the main plot of the story.. i believe its the 2nd or 3rd board. Its very good. When i went through it i felt uneasy and i guess thats what the developers wanted you to feel like..
before i even played around it ask if i was sensitive and if i was it would have skipped this part and showed like a cut schene.
As a whole the attack on wasthington to this terrorist part.. i look at it like this.. A video Game!!!! some people just cant seperate that.. if you feel some type of way then skip the level..
49. Zach | 11.09.09
Wow. So hypocritical. People are fine with simulated slaughter as long as the “good guys” are doing it. Bottom line.
“But they’re pretending to kill innocent people!”, one might reply.
“That’s fundamentally a subjective word, innocence,” says I,” Everyone kills, and it it neccesary to survive. That’s the problem. We only have a subjective view of our reality which leads to people trying to fill in the gaps with what makes the most sense to them. However some feel threatened by what seems to them to be a cold, impartial reality or by others’ stories and set out to make their beliefs be seen by all as dogmatic. Why the nature of belief is folly and strictly esoteric people usually let their fears get the best of them. It’s just a matter of whom ever sees themselves on top spinning their stories it into a myth that portrays their needs as within the bounds of convenient morals.”
52. Sam | 11.09.09
Come on it is just a game in GTA you take cars shoot people. This is a war game it shows how war was then and how it is going to be. Give it a break.
53. Tim | 11.10.09
Surely, that’s the point - this is a game. By definition it is “fun”. Nobody involved in in real terrorism or war (from any angle) thinks it’s fun.
Putting this stuff in a game (or a pure entertainment film) is twisted. Not because it will turn kids into serial killers, but because it trivialises something hateful, which we as a race should be working hard to leave behind us.
54. Dude who has the game | 11.10.09
You can walk through that level with out shooting anyone, the ai do everything if you just walk slowly and follow them.
55. Zack | 11.10.09
Oh my god. He is not a terrorist he is an undercover cia/fbi agent who is infiltrating the terrorist group. He does get killed at the end of the level but he was undercover.
56. Chris | 11.10.09
I understand the images and gameplay may be disturbing but so are movies. I never hear about boycotts or distubring imagery when I watch a movie about WWII or Vietnam. There are some pretty violent war movies out there that depict American soldiers getting killed but somehow that doesn’t make front page news. People want to stay in their happy little worlds and pretend this stuff doesn’t happen.
57. Zach | 11.10.09
I do see what some people are talking about when they mentioned the GTA series, but as others have said, it’s supposed to give you that gruesome feeling of killing innocent people to give you more morale and initiative to kill the terrorist you are. Quite honestly, I’m glad that MW2 decided to break the mold on this and give us a true reason why to kill the terrorists in the game.
58. TsG | 11.10.09
Well, the old argument, “its just a game”, doesn’t really apply here. I played through the scene and it is beyond disturbing. There is a real difference here. The line that is crossed is having the player become one of the terrorists killing civilians in an airport. If it is important to the story, they could have presented it without the player participating in the evil deed. Also, it breaks from reality (as far as “realism” is concerned in story telling) in that a real undercover special ops guy would have either alerted his superiors to stop such an event, or blown away the terrorists before they could get a shot off. Its absurd and unnecessary in its presentation and basically ruined the whole game for me. Its real purpose is marketing and nothing more… don’t be fooled. I stopped playing until the sickening feeling in my stomach goes away.
59. joe | 11.10.09
Like many people have said before me, Grand Theft Auto is much worse than MW2. For one you run over innocent people with a stolen car, and for another reason you get to go into a stipclub and get a lapdance, I mean COME ON people! You probably let your kids play that and you dont even know what kind of content is in it. But hey, whatever I’m just a four-teen year old boy trying to make a point, so who cares no one listens to kids anyway. So suck it up people it’s gonna be okay!
60. joey | 11.10.09
i guess that gta 1-4 wasn’t bad? Killing innocents in one level in one game but gta kills innocents for the entire 4 games and you can burn people in a hospital and kill cops and everything. I dont think u should be overreacting so much.
61. Geoffrey Calver | 11.10.09
Just played through the Airport level of Modern Warfare 2 and have to say that it is gut-wrenching, visceral, and terrifying. It puts the players in the shoes of a terrorist and should make you feel sick. You’re supposed to be a marine who’s thrown into an undercover situation where you have to kill innocent civilians to save thousands more, but that doesn’t make it easy to deal with, even though it’s just a game. It captures the emotions you would feel and horrifies as it should.
It’s amazing to me that video games continue to be held under a veil of “you can’t depict this” while movies can depict everything without comment or disgust. Both are forms of entertainment meant to insert you into a situation, and the double-standard needs to end.
62. concerned | 11.10.09
I don’t see the big deal. As far as I see it, it is rated M for mature for a reason. 18 years of age and older. This is not even close to what is happening in the war that we are fighting, I think that this is not offensive, its bringing the reality of what is really ahappening. Stop being concerned about this and just see what is really happening, make a difference from that
63. Hunting Town | 11.11.09
Games are currently moving closer and closer to being a recognised and respected medium, just like books or film or music. Their ability to effect and immerse the player has the capacity to transend any other medium. Levels like this one DO belong in the future of gaming, they move the player from simply passing the time into really thinking about what is going on. Did Schindler’s List go too far by showing the killing of Jews? Or rather did this serve to enhance the film because it shocked and appauled the audience. We shouldn’t be limiting the ability of games to become perhaps the greatest story telling devise we are likely to ever see.
64. ST 15 | 11.11.09
I think the levels fine, its only a video game, I love the story line to game and I wouldn’t change anything…
65. Someguy | 11.12.09
The level does not force you to shoot civilians as some claim,you can simply let the a.i. do all the work. Besides, the level is meant to make the player queasy to make them feel the chaos of terrorist attacks
66. Llucky | 11.12.09
I played through this level last night. I then promptly proceeded to get in my car and return my opened copy to the Gamestop I purchased it at.
In todays social climate and environment, this level was unnecessary and gratuitous. We play games as a form of entertainment and escape. What are we escaping when this is where we escape to? There is a point where an individual should feel some sort of moral impetus to step back and value their internal moral compass.
I play video games. Lots of them in fact. I work part time at my local Gamestop. I thoroughly enjoyed Fallout 3. I still play Grand Theft Auto IV. But this is not those games. What we have here is a game involving a situation that does or could happen at any moment, anywhere in the world. This is not the imagined post-apocalyptic world of Fallout. This is not the hyper-stylized world of GTA. This is an airport, in a real city, where the dying civillians crawl away from you and your approaching accomplices. This game makes us active participants in a mass unjustified slaughter, real or fake, you pull the trigger (and no, you can’t finish it without firing a round. I tried that and was promptly gunned down for “being a coward”).
Even comparing this to a movie is grossly inadequate. Movies are a passive activity. You watch the violence. You hear the “foul” language. But you are not the characters. You are not the evil.
I was looking forward to the potential of a great story and long-lasting multiplayer from this game, but I can’t support a game that is this callous to the idea of entertainment.
67. Kyle Batchelor | 11.12.09
Plain and simple people, games have ratings for a reason. All things these days are persacuted and said to be provocative. We are adults and its entertainment for adults. Not everything is meant for children and weak-minded people. If it bothers you stay away from it. There is always going to be material like this, whether it be a movie or a game. GROW UP folks.
68. Llucky | 11.12.09
What are we to “GROW UP” to? This is not about the ability to view these things. It’s a matter of “Why do we view these things?” Why is this mature entertainment? People all over the world live in mortal terror of an event like this, and we digitize it, commodify it, and prop up our idustry with it.
It’s not a matter of maturity or ratings or whether or not it’ll drive you to violence. It’s a matter of viewing it as entertainment in the first place.
69. Joey | 11.12.09
First off when you start the game your warned that the game has some violent and graphic levels and that your able to skip any level you deem to graphic or violent for your nature.
Second I played and beat it (thank you, thank you)and I feel that this game is no different than a lot of games out there with an M rating. Even as far back as 1996 when die hard trilogy was released, there were airport terrorist situations, people dieing, and lots of blood. The only difference between games that I have played in the past and this one is the Graphics have improved tremendously leaving a life like feel to it. I applaud them for creating such an amazing game and making the money I spent on my ps3 worth it. I think its great that they went out of there way to design the game, giving the user the ability to skip levels they didn’t feel comfortable playing.
The only thing I have disliked pertaining to this game is the damn server outage that happened with Demonware!!
70. AverageJoe | 11.13.09
First of all, not as a point of boasting, but simply stating the fact that I do know the plot of the game, I have beaten the campaign mode.
Moving on, to the very controversial mission, “No Russian.”
When the game is first loaded, you are asked a mandatory question, telling you that some of the content of a certain mission will appear offensive to some players, and you are offered the choice of skipping said mission at no penalty to yourself or gameplay.
However, I opted to take a risk, and play the mission.
The mission starts out with your character, an undercover Army Ranger working for the C.I.A., in an elevator with the leader of the terrorist cell you have infiltrated, Makarov, as well as a few other members of his group. All the things in this mission point to the fact that the attack is meant to be pinned on someone else is present, until it’s explicitly stated at the end of the mission. The choice of weapons, as well as the ominous, “Remember, no Russian,” before you begin.
The entire point of the massacre is to get you to think. The point of this particular segment isn’t to be fun, entertaining, or happy. It’s gut-wrenching, it’s vile, it’s revolting, it’s human.
From the beginning of the mission, “Rember, no Russian,” to the end, “No, this will send a message,” when the player’s character is executed by Makarov, I felt like this was a play to a side of emotions not normally accessed by the FPS genre of games.
In short, there are two goals set by the level.
1. Setting the Stage: After your American character is executed by Makarov at the end of the level, the attack is blamed on America, sparking the conflict that makes up the rest of the game.
2. Giving the Player a Reason to Play: Why play a game if it doesn’t draw you in? It’s all about immersion, and if you let it, the game will draw you in like a vacuum draws in dust. The game doesn’t just present you with a villain and a list of his evil deeds, it actually shows them being committed.
71. Weird | 11.13.09
To the previous point and all others in a similar vein, having this as a part of the story and having the human player actually participate, (and yes you have to participate or you cannot finish the level — but you can skip it after it started) is a huge difference. The nuke that went off in call of duty 4 was pretty disturbing. But, the player didn’t push the button to set it off, or have to play through the radiated corpses or cancer-ridden survivors. In the WW2 versions, there were no active participation in the slaughtering of Jews in concentration camps was there? No. The point is having the player witness and participate in the event of such awfulness is crossing the line. By the way, if you were unaware of what the disturbing content was, the warning doesn’t tell you anything but rather makes you curious to view it anyway. If they said “WARNING: you are about to play the role of a terrorist and participate in the mass murder of hundreds of civilians in an airport and also have to kill hundreds more police officers. Do you want to skip this level? or continue?” Then the warning would be legit. Instead it was vague and enticing. I didn’t know about the controversy until after I played it. It was really bad, and they should not have done it that way. Good marketing strategy though. But the game doesn’t need it, everything else about this game is absolutely phenomenal. Its by far the best FPS and best war game ever made… by far. This part was just totally unnecessary and should have been left out. For me the online multiplayer is so darn good, I can forgive them. But, again, it was still a bad idea.
72. Dustin | 11.15.09
what ever happened to artistic creativity? if someone had painted it it would be art. or it was a song it would be ok. who cares if you dont like it dont buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no one is holding a gun to anyones head making them buy or play this game.
73. Vito | 11.15.09
I played through the entire campaign and if you do choose to view the content,another message pops up and states that you can skip past it at any time by going to the in game menu. I feel this level really adds to the feel of the game, “Makarov is a bad guy and I really need to stop him.” Saying he killed a bunch a civilians and framed America doesn’t convey the same sense of urgency. Also I am tired of people calling Call of Duty and other military first person shooters, simulations. They are games. Military based movies aren’t considered simulations, and since this game is meant for enjoyment and not education, why is this any different?
74. Llucky | 11.16.09
If they were aiming for a story that pulled us in, why not have us play a civillian in the airport? Scrambling from terrorists to live just long enough to see them kill the undercover agent. That would have preserved intent without forcing us to actively engage in realistic virtual slaughter of innocents.
75. qeer | 11.16.09
this is one of the best games I have ever played and it is brian washing no one I am 14 and I under stand it si for the greater good
76. Stephanie | 11.19.09
See this is the thing that bothers me… The comments “This is a game for adults” followed by two posts from 14 year olds. But whatever, that’s besides the point.
While yes, it’s rated mature, this is still something that’s very touchy in our country at the moment. The argument of “If it was a movie it would be okay” or “if it was a painting it would be okay” I don’t agree with. It would STILL be controversial and people would still be upset about it.
The major difference here is that instead of just watching, like a movie, or looking, like a painting, is that in this game you are pulling the trigger. You’re assuming this role and to some, that’s disturbing and offensive.
Yes it’s a game, and no I don’t think that it’s brainwashing anyone. I think it’s a bold move with the storytelling as well. But I also feel that it’s a serious subject and shouldn’t be blown off by saying “It’s a game” or “GTA is worse cause clearly jacking cars and getting lap dances is worse than being a terrorist”
America is currently in a war against terror, whether we like it or not, and even if this is just in a game, we should at least realize the impact this game and level has on our society
77. The Best | 11.20.09
Although its just a game, the matter is that since video games have reached a point of being so realistic, it can be disturbing to many players. However, since it warns you, people should not be so quick to be upset with Activision and the rest of the COD staff.
Go Call of Duty!
78. Brandon | 11.20.09
I think all of this is just plain stupid, I’ve seen and played the level and this happens in real life regretfully…it’s just a video game though and Activision gives you PLENTY of warning about the mission before you ever play it. If you don’t like the content simply don’t play that mission! I personally think it brings you closer to the action and gives more realism.
As for the PC deal, I have been a PC gamer for more than a decade now and I can understand their upset because if you don’t have a dedicated server you can’t decorate it with your clans logos and info so there is no advertisement for your clan to get new members, BUT I say they should get over it and buy a 360 or PS3…
79. Rock Kitaro | 11.20.09
I agree with 76. When GTA video games came out, the subject wasn’t as touchy as it is now. The fact that you’re doing it really says alot about you as a character which is why I find it disturbing that some are okay with going through with the mission. And yeah it says M for mature, but you still have to be 18 to smoke and yet kids still manage a way to get a hold of a pack.
I think it would be a good idea to round up people who want to play this mission and put them on an Island together. Then wait a couple of years to see what kind of adults they become. See if they feel safe with each other.
Yeah it asks you if you want to play the terrorist mission. And it warns you several times before you can actually play it. But your curiosity is peaked. Who’s gonna say no when you’ve just spent 59 dollars for a game. It’s ridiculous.
And for those who say “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” That’s not the problem. The problem is thinking your safe next time you go to an Airport, and are surrounded by people who’ve played the game. As if our youth doesn’t already have problems.
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1. Tyler S. | 10.29.09
I’m fine with playing this level. I saw the video and yeah, it is gut wrenching, but if people can sit at home and hear about car bombs that went off killing hundreds of innocent people, but condemn this level of the game, then they’re hypocrites.