AfterDawn: News

Activision censors Russian version of Modern Warfare 2

Activision has noted today that they have in fact removed the controversial airport scene from the blockbuster Modern Warfare 2, but only for the Russian version of the game.

"Other countries have formal ratings boards that we regularly work with. However, Russia does not have a formal ratings entity. As a result, we chose to block the scene after seeking the advice of local counsel," said Activision, via Eurogamer.

The announcement comes after the Internet flared with rumors that the game was being censored by the Russian government and that a console version had been recalled to have the scene removed.



"Reports that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been banned in Russia are erroneous. Activision only released a PC version of the game in Russia which went on sale on Tuesday, 10th November," the company added.

The controversial airport scene, dubbed "No Russian," shows Russian ultra-nationalist terrorists killing civilians.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 17 Nov 2009 14:14

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• 20 comments

• Cubz

  Does that mean that a bunch of people who already bought the game still have that extra scene? Are they going to replace that part with something?

  17.11.2009 14:25 #1

• 21Q

  I've heard that this scene is optional to play in America, or in other countries. As for completely removing the scene, it seems a bit extreme, but then again I don't see very many games depicting America as the enemy.

  17.11.2009 16:21 #2

• manrod

  O.K let me get this straight...
  
  When a handful of people ask the Activision to remove a level they're more than happy to do it, yet when there's 190,000 + hardcore fans of the original COD 4 asking for dedicated servers on MW2 they get the finger?
  
  Good job Activision.

  17.11.2009 16:54 #3

• Tristan_2

  We have to remember what if their was a game like this one that had a similar scene and it took place in the U.S. our government would want it banned too, sure its either optional or part of the script but it can be a bit unnerving even to me and I havn't played the game but know about the scene and yes its a bit unnerving for me. This is the ONLY time I agree on a game ban and yes I know your char is a CIA agent undercover and I'm just sayin its a bit unnerving for me.

  17.11.2009 17:07 #4

• DXR88

  Quote:Russian ultra-nationalist terrorists killing civiliansyes they also kill School kids, when demands arnt met.
  Russia doesn't like it because they know its true.
  
  War is gruesome. when war breaks out on a home front, people die civilian or no.

  17.11.2009 17:30 #5

• beanos66

  Quote:Activision censors Russian version of Modern Warfare 2which will only result in fewer sales and more pirate versions as russian game players will refuse to pay for a neutered game

  17.11.2009 17:37 #6

• DRokKer

  Im quite disappointed at the way this has been reported and commentated on here at afterdawn. its sensationalist rubbish.
  ive played the game and, for the part of it that your talking about, you play as an AMERICAN undercover Russian terrorist (who is actually working for a US general). so it depicts how low either side of a war will stoop to gain an advantage.
  If you want to have a go at anyone, yes point your finger at activision for yet again fuelling international divides.

  17.11.2009 21:43 #7

• kudu87

  Quote:Quote:Activision censors Russian version of Modern Warfare 2which will only result in fewer sales and more pirate versions as russian game players will refuse to pay for a neutered gamecutting this scene from the campaign mode will have little if not no effect on sales of the game in russia, as its main selling point is multiplayer online. grats to infinity ward for another fantastic title

  17.11.2009 22:12 #8

• B33rdrnkr

  at least they get to play the game , it could be worse.... I could not imagine living in russia.. Too cold

  17.11.2009 23:20 #9

• DarkJello

  I don't think they are ultra-nationalists. They're described as terrorists belonging to no country.

  17.11.2009 23:25 #10

• Morreale

  Originally posted by B33rdrnkr: at least they get to play the game , it could be worse.... I could not imagine living in russia.. Too coldMe neither. Ontario is bad enough, my iPod Video won't work under 10*C now, :S

  18.11.2009 00:12 #11

• DXR88

  Quote:Originally posted by B33rdrnkr: at least they get to play the game , it could be worse.... I could not imagine living in russia.. Too coldMe neither. Ontario is bad enough, my iPod Video won't work under 10*C now, :Syou need the new IWarmer

  18.11.2009 01:00 #12

• bam431

  Wow this is perfect timeing i was just started working on a censorship project i'll have to add this in.

  18.11.2009 10:10 #13

• bdoggie08

  Played through the level, thought it was fun-but the same time, knew someone would have a problem with it even though its just a video game-probably pretty sure the rest of the world hates America anyways-by promoting what they think of us, so why can’t people be tolerant, or take a joke now and again anymore? We got too many softies anymore, can’t say for instance the word “fart” without offending anybody. Wow.

  19.11.2009 07:55 #14

• at420

  Originally posted by manrod: O.K let me get this straight...
  
  When a handful of people ask the Activision to remove a level they're more than happy to do it, yet when there's 190,000 + hardcore fans of the original COD 4 asking for dedicated servers on MW2 they get the finger?
  
  Good job Activision.haha so true...
  yeh i don't agree with them removing the level though, they should have left it as an option in the beginning of the game. I am russian and I played that level, yeh it is a bit cruel, but *bleep* its a game.

  19.11.2009 10:30 #15

• DarkJello

  I mean how many movies and books have very similar plots? Tons.

  19.11.2009 10:54 #16

• BaconBIt

  I feel like this scene in the game should be removed from the Russian version. Even if it is an American undercover, Russians may still have taken offense to the idea that they could be infiltrated. But yes, Activision has done a nice job at alienating the Russian fans of CODMW2.

  2.12.2009 00:10 #17

• DarkJello

  Seriously BaconBit? If you took out everything that might offend someone the world would be a pretty boring place. The whole point is to push your comfort zone, which it may or may not do. Activision didn't alienate Russian gamers, they just got the Russian government upset about something that they probably didn't take time to fully understand.

  2.12.2009 00:21 #18

• BaconBIt

  This is true, the world would be a boring place if we took out everything that offended people. However, censoring this one little thing may have done a whole lot of good when it comes to future releases of American, specifically Activision, products released in Russia. The Russian government is powerful in what they allow in their country and what they do not allow. If a company offends them once, the officials may not allow that company to have any further involvement in products in Russia.

  2.12.2009 00:34 #19

• DarkJello

  Thanks for the insight, but I really don't think Activision is going to have any problems, they let them patch and re-release the game didn't they?

  2.12.2009 00:54 #20