Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Sparks Debate In British Parliament

21 Comments Posted November 9, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Launch Trailer »

For those dozen or so gamers out there gearing up for the launch of Infinity Ward’s uber-mega-funtime-anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, you might want to brace yourselves for some serious anti-violent video game advocate backlash. We haven’t even come close to hearing the end of the game’s already infamous airport sequence, and that’s just one aspect of the game that will likely cause many a discussion regarding violence in video games in the near future.

So, if you feel like getting a head start on showing your support for Modern Warfare 2, and the artistic merits of its content, depictions and experiences, then, as the BBC reports, there’s a Facebook group just waiting for you to join.

British Member of Parliament Tom Watson founded the Gamer’s Voice group after fellow MP, Keith Vaz, told the British publication the Daily Mail he was “absolutely shocked” by MW2’s level of violence. Watson spells out his intentions on the group’s page, saying:

“Are you sick of UK newspapers and (my fellow) politicians beating up on gaming? So am I. The truth is, UK gamers need their own pressure group. I want to help you start one up. I don't know how it should work yet but please register your interest if you agree that gamers need their voice hear [sic] in the corridors of power.”

The group’s motto/official description similarly declares, “This group is unashamedly pro-video games. We aim to discuss how UK video gamers can find their voice in newspapers and government.” Keeping good on his word, Watson has promised to make MW2 a point of discussion in Parliament on Wednesday, the day after the game is released.

Given the UK's history with violent video games, it's encouraging to see someone standing up for the medium in such a public way. Whether it will actually result in anything remains to be seen, but at least it's something.

Source: BBC

Tags: PC Gaming, PlayStation 3, Videogames, Xbox 360

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AwayFromKeyboard

Ha ha. I don't care if they want to slander/whine and complain about video-games but if politicians start making laws that severely limit what we can do with them; you bet your butt that I'll be making some noise.

Posted: November 9, 2009 10:18 AM | Reply | Report

+4 thumbs up thumbs down

1 Reply
gamermoney

There's just too much controversy for me to ignore now, this game is a definite buy for me

Posted: November 9, 2009 10:21 AM | Reply | Report

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gamermoney

I second that AFK

Posted: November 9, 2009 10:22 AM | Reply | Report

+4 thumbs up thumbs down

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UltraViolence74

Do they think we don't know the difference between video games and real life?

Do they think we're all going to go shooting up airports?

Posted: November 9, 2009 10:46 AM | Reply | Report

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TheSiwentKiwwah

Has anyone here played the game? I'm curious of the context of the fight. I don't see why they would just allow you to be a terrorist shooting up an airport. I've not seen the video, but surely there is more to it than that. If not, then it's not so crazy people are angry.

Posted: November 9, 2009 10:55 AM | Reply | Report

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UndiscoveredBum

UndiscoveredBum's comment is abusive and has been removed.

Posted: November 9, 2009 11:01 AM | Reply | Report

-2 thumbs up thumbs down

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jigsaw808

i have been playing online since friday. game is badass must buy if u love the first MW1. the airport level has a disclaimer and an option to skip. it is vital to play it tho imo. it immerses you into the MW2 world and justifies the story behind campaign. online maps r insanely good. there r so many rooftops, catwalks, and pits to clear out. deathstreaks r a nice addition. they changed just enuff to keep things interesting but remain true to MW1. seems to me that my connection for this game is better than MW1 too, but maybe its cause theres only so man playing.

Posted: November 9, 2009 11:09 AM | Reply | Report

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Eddamame

The single player is too short beat it in 5 hours and it ends the exact same way the first one did in slow motion and you killing a bad guy. And the way you killed him not very realistic. Spec Op mode is awesome tho but reminds me too much of Rainbow Six Vegas. The Airport level is way overrated it was quite a point less level, It was super laggy also since there are so many npvs moving around. Not that fun I think killing hooker or random people in GTA is much more fun and cruel, at least there is security in the airport level

Posted: November 9, 2009 11:21 AM | Reply | Report

-5 thumbs up thumbs down

1 Reply
Johnbegood

This group will probably increase the amount of games sold. Saying there is more violence in a game is promoting it.

Posted: November 9, 2009 12:11 PM | Reply | Report

+1 thumbs up thumbs down

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T_Rexx

X-Box 360 jump in / PlayStation 3 "PlayBeyond" Coming out on both systems.

Posted: November 9, 2009 1:22 PM | Reply | Report

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dozerx8

their government wants to control their citizens. i dont understand why they tried to ban bad words on records, ban games for violence. uprise against that. i would.

Posted: November 9, 2009 1:29 PM | Reply | Report

+1 thumbs up thumbs down

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Slimster

I have already done my part in the USA and joined the Video Game Voters Network.

Posted: November 9, 2009 1:41 PM | Reply | Report

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anotherperson

the people whining about video-game violence r just a bunch of pusscakes they can't deal with other people shooting fake guns in fake situations killing fake people n etc... i cant imagine how stressing life is 4 them

Posted: November 9, 2009 1:43 PM | Reply | Report

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Oinkness

This game is sounding pretty good. I could go for some over-the-top violence. It's on the way from Gamefly due to my cunning, skills, which has recently landed me several big name titles... Mua haa... I dare not share my secrets! I'm gonna keep it for $10 off, used game price, it's almost like buying games for how much they used to charge... Still more than it should be though. But that's a whole different discussion.

What do I expect from MW2? A first person shooter set... maybe not in world war 2 this time... I don't know where it is set. I know next to nothing about the game whatsoever. But I love the style.

Posted: November 9, 2009 1:53 PM | Reply | Report

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natedizzle23

I don't care about all the controversy with this game I was excited when i first heard about it and nothings changed. Still super excited for tommarrow.

Posted: November 9, 2009 2:22 PM | Reply | Report

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SteveKB

don't know why people are so sensitive to this stuff... let whoever can handle it play it, also immature people shouldn't be playing this stuff anyway >__> i wonder how many preteens joined that group.

also what's wrong with being a terrorist? and in an airport? I mean it's in a video game which means it's not real @_@ common!

Posted: November 9, 2009 2:32 PM | Reply | Report

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nvserg

that M&M song gives me the chills with the seens, this game looks F#in great. does anyone know the name of that song.

Posted: November 9, 2009 3:06 PM | Reply | Report

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typhoon_2099

How suprising, a war game is violent.

Think I might be joining this group, if MPs start getting games banned I'm not going to be happy. Or I'm goin to order from abroad.

Posted: November 9, 2009 3:26 PM | Reply | Report

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Warrior567

IF IT IS TOO VIOLENT FOR YOU, DO NOT PURCHASE THE GAME. i can't stress that enough

Posted: November 9, 2009 5:55 PM | Reply | Report

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Plasma_Cake

I second that Warrior :)

Posted: November 9, 2009 8:32 PM | Reply | Report

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