Call Of Duty: 10 Huge Controversies Activision Wants You To Forget
Oh no, Activision, what have you done...
Since 2003, gamers have enjoyed over a dozen Call of Duty releases out of American video game publisher Activision. From portrayals of historic conflicts like World At War's Pacific and Eastern Front setting, to the futuristic and fresh warfare we experienced (and largely didn't enjoy as much) in Advanced Warfare, Activision has dipped its foot into multiple video game ideas and directions. Going by some of the incidents on this list, they've often dipped a bit too far in some aspects...
With a hefty bout of gore, violence and death, along with the inclusion of nations which were always going to kick off at their depiction as antagonists, especially given their sensitivity when it comes to image (cough *Russia* cough), the Santa Monica-based publisher has made its fair share of controversial decisions and actions.
As with most game publishers, attempts to create a realistic gaming experience, ambitious marketing strategies and some shock-inducing missions have all landed Activision in some sticky situations regarding their CoD releases. These are biggest scandals and controversies Activision won't want to be brought up again, but, sorry guys, but I'm going to do exactly that!
10. Accusations Of Homophobia
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 remains one of the best first-person shooters in video game history. Released in November 2009, Activision were rigorous with their pre-release marketing strategies, but perhaps went a step too far with one particular video...
In the lead up to game's arrival on our shelves, a promotional video, titled "Fight Against Grenade Spam" created some significant controversy for the publisher. In the YouTube video, former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels urges players to stop using the throwable explosives, something we would all most likely advocate for.
It doesn't seem like a creation that would lend itself to homophobia but somehow Activision and Infinity Ward managed it, first and foremost with the name. As an acronym, the title becomes a homophobic slur (did they really think people would let that slide?). The video received widespread criticism, forcing the piece to eventually be removed by its creators. We all hate dying to grenades, but come on Activision...
Another MW2 Easter egg also provided some further controversy for the publisher. In the campaign's earliest stage, players can overhear a pair of soldiers engage in a conversation about sexuality. One soldier says "don't ask, don't tell", clearly in relation to the U.S policy with the same name, which stopped openly gay individuals enlisting.
If you're going to shoehorn in Easter eggs with real life references, maybe make them less offensive in the future...