MW2 allows 8yr olds to become terrorists says Fox News [Update]

[Update] We've added the Fox & Friends interview after the jump.

The media's at it again, blaming video games for society's woes. This time the target is Modern Warfare 2, particularly the scene which allows the player to be a terrorist in order to convince the enemy that he is indeed trust worthy. Fox Fixed News doesn't see it that way, in fact on their morning show Fox and Friends, co-host Steve Doocy interviewed two guys, one defending the game, the other trying to prove why it's too violent.

There was no clear dialogue between the men, just mostly noise with Steve Doocy aiding the guy who's against the title. They asked whether or not the right protocols were in place to keep this "violent" game out of the hands of children, to which the defender replied:

"All the right protocols are in place, the game clearly has the 'M' for mature rating and Retailers have this one under control." He also noted that it was advertised heavily as a game that should be played by mature audiences only, and parents are well aware that such a title should not be bought for under age children. However, his explanation wasn't enough for Steve Doocy.

"Yeah, this game allows 8yr olds to become terrorists."

The guy defending the title shook his head in disgust at the statement the morning show host had just made. I sat down with my mouth dropped as I looked at the TV screen. Note, I don't normally watch Fox Fixed News at all; this was just coincidence this morning. But who's surprised? That News network has a reputation for reporting fallacies anyway; I'll leave it to Keith Olbermann, he knows how to deal with them. Think I'm Kidding? Watch the video below.

Watch the Fox and Friends replay at 9:00am Eastern.

11/11/09 Ernice Gilbert

Infinity Ward startled by similar occurrancies between MDW2 and the real world

Infinity Ward is back in the news with Modern Warfare 2. As many of you know a shocking transgression takes place at the beginning of the game. Jesse Stern, a story writer with Infinity Ward, in a recent interview, spoke about this controversy, and why at times they wanted to halt development of the game:

"We would have a conversation about what would be terrifying in today's political landscape, if for reasons of oil, the Russians decided to roll tanks into a former Soviet republic. And then the following week that happened in the republic of Georgia for very similar reasons we had been debating," Explained Mr Stern.

"So we were like, we don't want to do that, we don't want to do ripped-from-the-headlines stories. Then we started having conversations about terrorism and how scary it is the idea of what they call 'soft targets', people just getting killed in a shopping mall or a public area and about then a week after that the attacks took place in Mumbai (India). After that we stopped talking. We sent an email saying, 'Does anybody want to take a break from this for awhile?' Because it was frightening."

In my opinion video games just like movies mimic the real world. These are the types of things happening in our society. You don't have to play the game just like you don't have to watch certain movies.

All aside, the game will be pure awesomeness. It's out next Tuesday for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Get the full thing here.

11/03/09 Phillip Crowe

Australian lobbyist group wants the government to re-rate Modern Warfare 2

Ever since the illegal footage of Modern Warfare to was leaked, controversy has arisen over a scene in the game that allows you to play as a terrorist. As the terrorist, you can shoot innocent civilians and also children. However, according to Activision, the scene is misrepresented and players can skip through it if desired.

Misrepresented or not, Australian lobbyist group Australian Council on Children and the Media, is moving ahead with a petition demanding the government re-visit the rating of MDW2.

"The consequences of terrorism are just abhorrent in our community and yet here we are with a product that's meant to be passed off as leisure activity, actually promoting what most world leaders speak out publicly against," council president Jane Roberts told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"If that material was on the internet about how to become a terrorist, how to join a group and how to wipe out people - that would be removed because it would not be acceptable."

The group wants MDW2 removed from the MA+15 rating to Uncensored. In other words, they want the game to get banned in Australia.

We're leaving the room now.

10/30/09 Ernice Gilbert

Infinity on MDW2: "We want them [gamers] to be emotionally shocked"

The recently leaked Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 video footage reveals that players can shoot innocent civilians in an airport in a realistic rendering of a terrorist attack. MDW2 is rated "M" for mature audiences, but according to Activisoin Blizzard Inc., people should not summarize the entire game based on an illegally taken piece of footage.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the company said the footage was taken illegally and is not representative of the game's overall experience. Instead, the scene is designed to evoke the "atrocities of terrorism." Activision said in an email statement.

Although the leaked footage surprised a lot, it should come as no surprise, because in a recent interview, Vince Zampella, head of the game's developer, Infinity Ward, said that they intended for their game to Startle players.

The company said, MDW2 follows players as they "face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse." As part of the plot, you'll infiltrate a Russian villain's inner circle to defeat him. Evidently, the airport attack is one of the scenes in which the player acts as part of the villains group.

"We push the story," Vince Zampella said. "We want the player to be emotionally attached. We want them to be emotionally shocked."

Did people the media (including GamesThirst) give Uncharted 2: Among Thieves game of the year too early? Modern Warfare 2, I have a feeling will be total awesomeness, and surprise us all.

10/29/09 Ernice Gilbert

No Modern Warfare 2 Demo

The game according to Bobby Kotick, that has the potential of being the biggest entertainment release of all time, won't receive a demo. Nope, it's either you're in or out on this one, which I suspect most of you are in. So if you've been on the purchasing fence, uh, you might be there for a long time. Who knows, a demo could always find its way on PSN and XBLA after the game's released, but for now, none. Infinity Ward had this to say on the studio's official twitter page:

"No plans for demo before launch. The entire team is focused on polish all the way up to ship of the full game."

That's just the way it is folks, in life, we don't always get what we want, and in this case, you'll just have to wait till launch. Go take a nap. You'll feel better.

09/28/09 Ernice Gilbert

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, first look at Multiplayer Video

Is there a bigger game dropping this year? I didn’t think so. November 10th will be gamers holiday in my book; no work, no school, no nothing, just darn good FPS fun! Infinity Ward’s Robert Bowling tweeted the first look at Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer and for the first time revealed the AC130 killstreak bonus. It’s just amazing, you get to call down terror on your enemies with your own AC130 air strike. Now how cool is that?

If only time could some how fast forward or at least fool us into believing it is zipping by; that would work for me. What about you? CODMDW2 will be “the biggest entertainment launch of all time,” says Activision and with the looks of things, I will have to agree. Great going infinity. Can’t wait for this one.

07/28/09 Ernice Gilbert

Modern Warfare 2 ‘Hardened Edition’ It’s $80

Are you planning on buying your wife or girlfriend any gifts come this holiday season? You should. You can’t put video games before your lady; that’s what you’ve been doing eh? Well sadly that trend won’t stop because if my calendar is right, there won’t be enough cash for the most of us to go buying all of this… (I’ll be getting the Hardened Edition mind you) but what about my wife’s new laptop? How’s it on your side? You might have to sacrifice some games this fall, or sacrifice your relationship that is unless your lady is a gamer.

Steel case, night vision goggles, an art book and Call of Duty Classic on XBLA or PSN all for $80, the info was released by Infinity Ward spokesman Robert Bowling via twitter.

One more thing, look carefully at the Hardened box, did you notice anything missing? Look harder, there’s no Call of Duty in sight; just Modern Warfare 2. Confusing to say the least.

07/15/09 Ernice Gilbert