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Footage from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 leaked onto the Internet yesterday, and if you thought the lack of dedicated PC servers were the big controversy in regards to this game, you're in for a huge surprise. The leaked gameplay footage reveals that you'll be able to play part of the game as a terrorist.
Update: The footage has been pulled from CNN's iReport site as well.
Heavy spoilers ahead, obviously. The footage has since been pulled from YouTube, but part of it is still up on CNN's iReport site. In the level (reportedly the beginning of the game), the player is with a group of men who murder innocent civilians in an airport. The level seems to consist primarily of capping innocent people, including the clearly injured who are trying in vain to hobble away as you shoot them in the back. This is where CNN's video ends. Based on other internet reports, after the airport killing spree, the group then exit to the tarmac where they pass a pile of dead bodies, and shoot some cops. Eventually, the main terrorist, Makarov, murders the player with a shot to the head. It's strong stuff.
When asked if the footage would be in the game, Activision released a statement to the press, saying:
“Yes it is. The scene establishes the depth of evil and the cold bloodedness of a rogue Russian villain and his unit. By establishing that evil, it adds to the urgency of the player’s mission to stop them.
“Players have the option of skipping over the scene. At the beginning of the game, there are two ‘checkpoints’ where the player is advised that some people may find an upcoming segment disturbing. These checkpoints can’t be disabled.
“Modern Warfare 2 is a fantasy action game designed for intense, realistic game play that mirrors real life conflicts, much like epic, action movies. It is appropriately rated 18 for violent scenes, which means it is intended for those who are 18 and older.”
I predict an uproar from certain members of the excitable media. I predict semi-accurate headlines will proclaim: "New Game Has Players Take The Role of Terrorists!" while ignoring the fact that this is, essentially, a cut-scene where you control a character, and the scene itself doesn't glamorize terrorism: After all, you are betrayed by your own leader, who is so evil, he shoots his own men.
We don't really know the context of the level either: Perhaps the player is infiltrating the terrorist group and has to participate or blow his cover. Maybe the main character is under the influence of mind-altering drugs. Maybe it's a dream sequence. But no matter what utility it might serve in Modern Warfare 2's plot, it's a disturbing thing to watch; I can't imagine how disturbing it would be to play. While I'm all for artistic freedom in games, even I gotta shake my head a little at how far this goes.
Although Modern Warfare 2 is scheduled for a November 10th release, You have to wonder whether this particular level will end up in the finished game. I give it a 50/50 shot, honestly, depending upon the intensity of the controversy surrounding this leaked footage.
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Kleehv
It sounds to me like this isn't a terrorist scene but a rogue military faction killing innocent civilians in a false flag op. Either way, killing innocent civilians isn't new to a videa game or movie, especially not in a rated-18 game, so how is this a headline?
Frankly I wouldn't be surprised if the scene was leaked intentionally to hype up the pending launch of the game, and to preempt any post-launch media flare around it.
My pre-order is still eagerly awaited.
Jaylarosa
At first I want going to say anything but some of you are a bunch of idiots with false morals. One of you says "Watching it in a movie is one thing, playing it in a game is another." This is obviously plain ignorant if you were a real gamer you would learn to appreciate this game. We have all asked for more reality in games, make me feel the way i do when I watch a movie you say, and the instance we get reality your offended? By what?
Now this one and I quote, "just inhuman. the player was going around killing american civilians in an airport. that's completely wrong. I for one will not buy this game. killing unarmed american civilians? for real? what was the studio thinking? this has to be the most offensive thing i've ever seen." Im sorry person but you are a jackass, once again false morals. I bet if the airport was in Iraq and you where killing a bunch of 'Stanis you'd be all for it. Hell make the seen in Tokyo and kill a bunch of Asians, HELL YEA but what an atrocity, killing Americans how un-Amercan!!!!
These people are the reason that our media outlet isnt at the level it should be. These people are the reason why our game developers dont put realism in our games. This game is setting a trend this game is showing us that gaming is just as big as those box office hits. Oh and for those of you who are worried about this scene being cut from the game rest assure this level will absolutely be on your copy, cause the game is already waiting for all of us at our local stores back room. So breath out that sigh of relief people cause if other game devs take a page out of Infinity Ward's book in a few short years gaming will surpass all these other media outlets and finally be recognized as the art work it really is.
Last thing before I go, if you guys love this kind of controversy check out the PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain when it comes out all types of horrific atrocities going on there like you play a chick that is forced to get up next to a pole you and strip at gun point and worst of all you have to control her and help her get naked. LOL what has this world come to I cant wait to see what that game stirs up!!!!
Fonkeymunkey
I saw the video and it was shocking to say the least but its a great way to start off a game not the whole pointless killing thing but showing you the unbelievable things these people are doing up in ur face. Also i think it was smart on IW side because this was and will remain to be one hell of a surprise
Zand3r
Leave it in. Don't be pressured into cutting this from the game. So what what if it's a disturbing thing to watch. There are things like that in the media and movies every day. Why should a Video Game that's targeted for players 18+ be any different. I applaud IW for them having it in there game. Have they gone to far....No way...they even give people with weak hearts a way out.
I remember how in the fist Modern Warfare game the Nuclear Explosion seen was so serial and frighting for me. Maybe because my brother was in Iraq at the time, idk. However there was thousands or people wasted from that in it and nothing realy bad was said in the media that i remember. Just my opinion =)
shoryuking
It's about time these video game stories grew up. You guys bitching over this are the problem and then you want to blame mainstream media when they get their briefs in a bunch over virtual reality. Is it real or is it not?
It's a work of fiction and it is rated for so called adults. So be adult those of you who are.
Lucifer6972
In my personal opinion, the most disturbing and offensive game in tranquility is in fact GTA. And I know some of you guys know the feedback...socially reprehensible, conflict of interest, hostility repugnance, etc. GTA went to the extreme but games are entertainment, they are.
I for one, haven't seen the video and I ain't gonna see it. I'm a patient guy when it comes to getting something I want and the video won't change me a bit once. But sure does sound like it got people's attention. I don't know how people's perception and attitude is with war in general but you play as Terrorists in the first one on-line, what's the difference?
Whether is an overreaction or the truth is people's own personal opinion but I've seen games, entertainment, movies, books(like someone said on top) that I've been morally offended by. Times have changed and it is the 21st century. If you are an ecclectic person, then chances are it won't offend you but if you get a revival, then something unconsciously you don't like at all.
Games are entertainment, they don't reflect the realities of life in general. I for one am a big fan of videogames and I admit and confess, I too got offended on some games they made a while ago but is enterteinament, just like movies and music.
If all of a sudden you care about how the realities and society is changing our behavior, then you should worry about how it can change your cognitive level.
But that's just my opinion, it'll be a great game and one I will be looking for.
revistinha1
Its not how the game begins, and no ur not a terrorist
ur a cia agent working undercover , just watch the damn video ppl
in the end of this stage u can see what happens.
and kudos for iw ...looks like a strong contender for goty.
Dante_Alucard
@badATchaos
If you have ever played IDK grand theft auto or saints row you run over and shoot random people all day. just take the nipple out of your mouth and grow up. just like every other video gamer is going to tell you it is just a GAME stop crying (or trolling). Killing people is all you do in FPS's so STFU
h4x121
Watching it in a movie is one thing, playing it in a game is another. I think there is a line in video games and I think this might cross it. I didn't watch the video yet but if its anything like im picturing it will probably make me uneasy
Infamous_Bizarro
damn can't wait for this game. day one buy for me.
PSN: Bumble_Bee_24
Orange22
I really don't understand why this is a big deal. First of all its a game, a mature rated one at that, and its not even the first game to feature the killing of innocent civilians (GTA anyone?). Secondly, movies show stuff like this all of the time. It shows a clear double standard that the media would jump all over a game for featuring something like this when they turn the other cheek on movies that are made to purposely glorify violence and murder. I'm not saying that this isn't controversial because it is, but in the end I'm sure that this scene will add depth to the story of the game. Plus, it will generate a lot of publicity, which I'm sure IW and Activision love.
badATchaos
i watch the whole video and i gotta say it was just inhuman. the player was going around killing american civilians in an airport. that's completely wrong. I for one will not buy this game. killing unarmed american civilians? for real? what was the studio thinking? this has to be the most offensive thing i've ever seen.
jpz
Okay, IMHO, this was a little too much for me.
For the record, I'm not against violence in Video games. I love shooters. For those who are saying "Big deal", I felt the same way initially, because when the footage started, I honestly thought it would be a cutscene. I understand it may be meant to drive the plot of the campaign storyline, so don't get me wrong in that aspect.
Comparing it to GTA is also not accurate because in GTA, the mission is not to go all out killing people. Also comparing it to movies is kind of unfair, I think. How many movies have there been where the protagonist goes all out killing innocents. Again, if the posts that have been made are true, and the player character does get killed after this sequence, this further drives my point that this could really have been done with a cutscene.
Again, I like to think everyone, those who see this leaked video as "no big deal" and those who are disturbed by it, are mature enough to make their own decisions. And I am still not against violence in video games since it's in other media. I will, personally, still get the game, and hope that I can personally go through that level without shooting and simply watch it as a cut scene. I think it's brilliant to show things like that to drive the story (just not putting the player in that position). Why did most of us love Batman so much? Because of how sinister the Joker was.
These are just my views on the issue.
shoyaru
honestly, who cares. this stuff happens in real life. plus, this is similar to when u r the president and are shot and burned to death or something like that in cod 4, so if that got by, this will too
jffhrdy42
if it doesnt make it in the game ill be severly disapointed
will it be disturbing for some yes
will some skip over it yes
is it offensive possibly
will i play it yes
the problem is, is that its a story telling mechanic why the heck take it out, sure your controlling the guy but wtf do we not see this if not worse stuff in movies, tv, books, heck music
ill be danged if i did not just see a trailer for a movie about a school shooting and this is what people are harping on mw2 get the heck over it stop being biased towards this medium
T13Squared
I don't really understand what all the fuss is about. I mean would this part of the storyline prevent people from buying the game? HELL NO!!! Even if you are disturbed by this sorta stuff you'd still enjoy the rest of the game. Plus games like Counter Strike involved terrorists and did that casue a major uproar? I rest my case...
superlongshlong
FFS they better not pull this from the game because of the media going ooo it will make people go into an airport and kill everyone. It's stupid its an 18 so shouldn't you be allowed to put anything in a game? For example natural born killers was 10x was then murdering people at an airport on this game. It annoys me how the media react to this game it has murder - its an 18. I hope they don't pull it from the game I wasn't too bothered about getting mw2 until I saw that scene and thought how good it looks and hat a good story it will be now I want it so i hope they dont pull it from the game :(
JahJah1121
I don't get offended easily, but this seems a bit much. However, how mad would everyone be (me included) if they didn't include this scene in a game. Movies show terrorists everyday killing people, I guess people have a problem because you are playing the role of the terrorist. You know I think I just changed my own mind.
iScotty
this just made me buy the game. finally a dev not flippin afraid to be yelled at. i just hope we dont get some fox mass effect bull again.
McFool17
IGN said that during the sequence you're playing as a CIA operative who has infiltrated the terrorist group. Anyways, I find it to be a little disturbing, but I'm more concerned over what the media reaction is going to cause. I also have to wonder if it's better that this kind of thing was leaked before the game's release, or if it would be better with people finding out after release. At least this way, Infinity Ward has an opportunity to cover their asses if they feel they need to.
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