Controversy is sure to follow any FPS and in the light of the new installment in the Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare 2, there are no exceptions.
For those of you who have yet to play the game or get through its first stages, I can reassure you that I will not ruin any of the story for you in this article. However, if you do not want to know anything about the game at all please do not continue any further.
By all accounts MW2 has been lauded as an awesome game that is a must play. Infinity Ward has never failed to deliver an amazing experience with all of the games they have made, but because of leaked gameplay footage of the mission “No Russian”, it has stirred massive amounts of controversy across the globe before the game was even released.
Killing civilians is nothing new in video games, but somehow this mission (which is possible to skip) has struck a sour note. Remember the beginning of the teaser trailer? That was the beginning of this mission and that’s all I will say on the matter.
However, Infinity Ward has offended very important people, getting Modern Warfare 2 banned in Russia according to this article.
There are arguments either way, whether or not they [IW] have gone too far, but my simple opinion is thus: As the character you get to play, you don’t have to shoot the civilians in the airport. Is it offensive to anyone/everyone that it was done in an airport? Killing no matter where it is, or who it is shouldn’t change your opinion of a game. It was a shocking look into terrorism that I will never personally see, all things willing. 
I was appalled and in awe of how well it was done. They offer you the opportunity to skip the level if you feel strongly enough.
It was their choice to include it. In a way they are artists and video games are their medium. It shouldn’t be censored. We didn’t censor the multitudes of videos on 9/11 of burning people jumping out of windows, (something I didn’t want to see at the age of 11). You shouldn’t be afraid to see terrorism, especially if it does exist. Russia, sorry that your country was portrayed this way, but it could have been anyone.
I want opinions and feelings about this, but remember, this is only a small portion of the game. Don’t deign to judge it until you have played it completely.
Let us know what you think in the comments!
after beating the game, i have to say i dont see a whole lot of ways that this level was justified. although it does help to show the nature of makarov. but then again it gives you a first person perspective of what these things look like, as they really do happen. i dont see a problem with the level as you dont have to play if you dont want to.
When I first saw the airport incident on YouTube… i must say that I was a bit stunned.
This is the first time that something in a video game has shocked me that much. Theres just something unsettling about not only seeing it happen but being able to take part in it . . . if you want. However, will it stop me from playing the game? Hell no.
Who’s to decide if it’s too much? Individuals. If you think its too much don’t buy or play the game. If not, go out and play it already!! Having said that, I’m glad Jack Thompson isn’t around anymore to try and impose some new laws and regulations about violent video games.