The Controversy Surrounding Modern Warfare 2

There have been many details revealed over the past few months about the upcoming ‘Call of Duty’ title, Modern Warfare 2.  I think it’s safe to say that this is easily one of the most awaited titles this year, by far.  Part of the anticipation comes from the fact that it’s predecessor, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, is one of the best FPS games of all time.

As a part of what’s been revealed about the game, two things in particular stand out due to their controversial nature.  First is one of the more recent trailers that shows the battle coming onto U.S. Shores, and subsequently shows Washington D.C. in flames as a battlefield.  The second more recent reveal is that there would be a scene where terrorists shoot down civilians in an airport.  The former is a playable segment in the game that serves as a level, while the latter serves as a sequence for the player to watch (EDIT: need to confirm this) complete with a warning screen about it’s content.

Now I completely realize this is a very subjective topic and everyone both has, and is entitled to, their own opinion.  My take on it is this:  first off, it’s a video game.  Yes, it may be a video game that goes against personal beliefs, or goes against what you may want to potentially expose children to, but it’s a game and it’s not real.  The developers intentions of putting such graphic material in a video game were to A. illustrate that the person you are fighting against is serious, and there is a sense of urgency to stop him and then B. to high-light the dangers of terrorism.  Second, there are video game ratings for a reason.  It clearly states on the box that it’s rated M for mature, and also gives more granular details on what’s included (just like a movie).  If you don’t want kids to be exposed to it then don’t buy it for them, police their recreational activities just a bit more strictly, or maybe even explain to them what it is and what the reasons are for it being bad because like it or not they will be exposed to these realities one way or another.  Finally, we live in a free Democratic country.  The developers could throw bestiality into the game and it would still be up to the consumer to buy it, or not.  That’s freedom on both sides of the table to do what you want, which is one of the reasons why this country is so great, according to it’s own citizens.

So I think people get unjustifiably worked up around these things, at least to the extent that they do.  Hold on to your personal beliefs, but don’t let them make you overreact to things like this.  There are plenty of movies that have shown far worse in every movie theater across America — that kids can very well be exposed to one way or another — but because it’s a video game it’s all of a sudden a travesty.  If you don’t like the subject matter it’s your right to not expose yourself or your family to it, but it’s not your right to decide that other people — especially adults — shouldn’t be exposed to it either.

Source: Controversial Modern Warfare 2 footage confirmed