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More news in msnbc.com technology & science

Is the 'Modern Warfare 2' airport massacre scene offensive?

In the new 'Modern Warfare 2' game, players are given the chance to gun down innocent civilians in an airport. Some consider the scene offensive, others say it's an integral part of the greater story being told in the game. Check out this week's Citizen Gamer column as we take a look at the way "Modern Warfare 2" developer Infinity Ward uses the first-person perspective in this scene and others throughout the game. And then let us know what you think.

Background reading

Newsvine is msnbc.com's social-news community where you can discuss stories, publish your own column, and connect with other news lovers.

Results with 17 short comments
Total of 2,299 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

8.8%

Yes. It shouldn't have been included in the game.

203 votes

66.9%

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

1,539 votes

5.5%

I'm torn.

126 votes

10.8%

I'm undecided because I haven't played it yet.

249 votes

None of the above.

92 votes

3.9%

What's 'Modern Warfare 2'?

90 votes

Display Comments:

I'm torn.

I'm not against intense scenes being used to tell a well done story, but from the reviews I've read, this scene doesn't do that effectively

{"commentId":10635797,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"Nomadic0ne"}

- Nomadic0ne

- 10:01 am EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

Yes. It shouldn't have been included in the game.

I usually have the "it's just a game" frame of mind;however, with the recent horrific events at Fort Hood, the scene was difficult to watch

{"commentId":10635956,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"cello"}

1 vote

- Cello

- 10:09 am EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

I'm torn.

The screams and scene are still with me. The sense of guilt afterward is likely akin to what our soldiers sometimes feel.

{"commentId":10636144,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"gunther-gump"}

- Gunther Gump

- 10:18 am EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

Its just a game, like a movie/TV no one thinks its real. Yet when its in a movie no one ever cries and says its offensive. 24/Die Hard

{"commentId":10637523,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"bozmanbeyond"}

1 vote

- Bozmanbeyond

- 11:15 am EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

What's 'Modern Warfare 2'?

Can we talk about a different game please...

{"commentId":10639180,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"capn"}

- Capn-1

- 12:21 pm EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

The news shows muder and death 24/7. Reporters rush to the scene to capture reality tv. I bought this game knowing that IW pushes the limit

{"commentId":10643083,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"sevenzero3"}

- SevenZero3

- 3:09 pm EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

I'm undecided because I haven't played it yet.

As far as I'm concerned, when it comes to shooters, the bloodier the better. Kill everything that moves, it's just a game.

{"commentId":10647585,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"prone2xs"}

- prone2xs

- 6:34 pm EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

Would anyone be asking this question if Modern Warfare 2 were a movie? Video games are now a mature medium not just kids stuff anymore.

{"commentId":10649218,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"BADD1988"}

- BADD1988

- 8:09 pm EST on Thu Nov 12, 2009

None of the above.

I played the mission without firing a shot...and, well I won't spoil it...You have the choice in the mission whether to participate or not.

{"commentId":10652688,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"dannicusrex"}

- st dannicus

- 12:51 am EST on Fri Nov 13, 2009

None of the above.

keep the mayhem and destruction coming, folks!! Just what our society needs!!

{"commentId":10656264,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"tpuntoni"}

#10

- Tina-293371

- 10:09 am EST on Fri Nov 13, 2009

I'm torn.

Although I don't believe violent video games lead to violent behavior, this mission was too insensitive in today's world.

{"commentId":10699242,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"jkovalcheck"}

#11

- I love Motown

- 10:17 am EST on Mon Nov 16, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

I am also glad it is in slo-motion because it keeps the massacre to a minimum, where if you could sprint around it would of been worse

{"commentId":10700458,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"contra420"}

#12

- contra420

- 11:19 am EST on Mon Nov 16, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

It was set up fine. The invasion makes no sense without it. You know you're a spy and right at the end you know the purpose.

{"commentId":10702401,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"politicalsportsteams"}

#13

- PoliticalSportsTeams

- 12:51 pm EST on Mon Nov 16, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

How is this any worse then the ability to mindlessly kill innocent by-standers in all of the "Grand Theft Auto" games?

{"commentId":10702583,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"cfarinha"}

#14

- CFarinha

- 1:00 pm EST on Mon Nov 16, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

People need to remember that, despite the striking realism, this is still just a video game.

{"commentId":10758748,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"nrthrnlghts"}

#15

- NrthrnLghts

- 5:24 pm EST on Wed Nov 18, 2009

Yes. It shouldn't have been included in the game.

I played the scene and it was extremely gratuitous. Designers could've opted for another way to tell that story.

{"commentId":10762999,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"nando67-1"}

#16

- Nando67

- 8:15 pm EST on Wed Nov 18, 2009

No. It makes sense in the context of the story.

Even if you do find it offensive you are given the option to skip it. So if you don't like it don,t play it.

{"commentId":10772900,"threadId":"722668","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"Delta001"}

1 vote

#17

- Delta_001

- 10:37 am EST on Thu Nov 19, 2009

Newsvine Discussion with 8 comments - Click here to jump to the comment form.

{"commentId":10631070,"authorDomain":"kyle-1464622"}

Kyle-1464622

I've played through the entire story mode, and I am positive that the airport scene is vital to the story being told (trying to keep spoilers minimal). At the beginning of the level you are in normal game playing mode, when the shooting starts, shock sets in. By the end of the level I had an emotional state that was "perfect" if you will. Especially with the last line of the level. Try for yourself.

So, could it be offensive? Yes. But here's the catch, Infinity Ward put a very clear disclair that makes you choose whether to see the "disturbing" stuff or not, before you can even start the story. Aside from that, it's rated M for a reason, which means it's meant for 18 years old or more.

So, I can say it is a fantastically scary story, in a spectacular game. A must have.

{"commentId":10631070,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"kyle-1464622"}

1 vote

#1 - Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:36 PM EST

{"commentId":10695019,"authorDomain":"mnrqz"}

mnrqz

In no way is this just a "shock" level, the game makes perfect sense within the context of the games plot. What these people are focusing on is the scene itself and not the underlying story. I'd be willing to wager that half of the people that @!$%# about the mission haven't finished the game to truly figure out why that scene HAD to take place to move the plot forward, or are just unwilling to listen to reason and scream foul instead. The mission seems to be"Watchmen-esque" in context, as you must decide whether killing hundred of innocents outweighs saving billions, whereas you assume the role of Ozymandias.

Activision doesn't have to stoop to horror tactics to sell, or the saying of "any publicity is good publicity" Their game's quality speaks for itself, and the MW2 is another great addition.

{"commentId":10695019,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"mnrqz"}

1 vote

#1.1 - Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:04 PM EST

{"commentId":10638506,"authorDomain":"bozmanbeyond"}

Bozmanbeyond

Movies and TV shows have been pushing this envelope for years. TV series 24 and movie Die Hard all deal with Terrorist killing hundreds of people and no one cries "Oh my God how can they do this?"

The game is like a movie its not real but has a great script and very good visual to give it that effect.

So if we are going to attack games that shock us maybe we should also drag in TV and the movie industry as well.

{"commentId":10638506,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"bozmanbeyond"}

1 vote

#2 - Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:56 AM EST

{"commentId":10640718,"authorDomain":"killzum"}

Sono

I don't understand why this is even remotely important seeing as how many movies and television programs have been shown displaying far more graphic content.

The only thing I found to be somewhat shocking was that prior to playing the game, I was of the opinion that the scene in question would be brief...however, the level in question has you killing civilians for at least a few minutes and that was the only aspect which felt somewhat profound.

Per Kyle:

So, could it be offensive? Yes. But here's the catch, Infinity Ward put a very clear disclair that makes you choose whether to see the "disturbing" stuff or not, before you can even start the story. Aside from that, it's rated M for a reason, which means it's meant for 18 years old or more.

Agreed 100%

{"commentId":10640718,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"killzum"}

1 vote

#3 - Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:27 PM EST

{"commentId":10672657,"authorDomain":"btg91195"}

BTG91195

i mean it is just a game..... and it even gives u the option to skip it but it... it is one of the most shocking.. compelling scenes in gaming history... it causes controversy yet gives u a chance to see what terrorists see... i think it was meant to be a very provacative scene made to shock and scare you.... if u skip it ur missing out on that... infinity ward did this to shock u and push the boundaries of how far a video game can go before it goes to far... this pushes the boundaries but doesnt break them, and honestly it is the best part of the game because it moves u emotionally..... it is just a game... so go and play MW2 and enjoy it.

{"commentId":10672657,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"btg91195"}

#4 - Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:27 PM EST

{"commentId":10703057,"authorDomain":"politicalsportsteams"}

PoliticalSportsTeams

Meh, I thought it was done really well. There are plenty of movies that don't use any sort of sensitivity dampening segue before violenty dispatching innocent civilians. As far as controversy goes, all it seems to do is sell video games. The game manhunt, or whatever that torture game was. I would have probably never heard of it until the media grabbed it.

{"commentId":10703057,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"politicalsportsteams"}

#5 - Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:22 PM EST

{"commentId":10719308,"authorDomain":"otaku-izzy"}

Otaku.Izzy

Kids, teens, adults, people in general are desensitised. If they don't see it on a video game they see it on TV or hear about. Honestly, you'd have to live under a rock and be both deaf and blind to not already know anything about things like this. So its in a video game? Big deal. Once again, lets move on to the next "big thing."

{"commentId":10719308,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666","authorDomain":"otaku-izzy"}

1 vote

#6 - Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:52 AM EST

{"commentId":10791511,"authorDomain":null}

For all you people who think the level should be removed or not have been included:

1. ITS A VIDEO GAME

2. The very FIRST thing the game says is, "There are some contraversial missions that OFFEND some people. Would you like to skip this mission?" SO DON'T COMPLAIN THAT IT'S OFFENSIVE!!! You all said "NO!!! Don't Skip This Mission, I WON'T be offended!"

3. People who are offended by content in a video game, SHOULDN'T buy rated "M for MATURE" games! It warns you sensitive people for a reason.

4. Worse things are happening in the world then a video game containing a mission in an airport, where innocent people are shot. There is a war still being fought, and that's REAL

5. ITS A VIDEO GAME!

6. ENJOY THE BEST GAME OF THE YEAR (or I'm going to call the WhaaamBulence for you cuz yur whining)

{"commentId":10791511,"threadId":"722433","contentId":"3491666"}

1 vote

#7 - Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:55 PM EST

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"722433","isPrivate":false}

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Is the 'Modern Warfare 2' airport massacre scene offensive?

Background reading

Results with 17 short comments Total of 2,299 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

Newsvine Discussion with 8 comments - Click here to jump to the comment form.

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Results with 17 short comments
Total of 2,299 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments