Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Modern Warfare 2 No Russian sledgehammer controversy, from Condrey

Sledgehammer co-founder concerned Modern Warfare flirting with controversy for ‘headlines’

Remember -- no Russian soldiers
This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information

Controversy and Modern Warfare games have often walked hand in hand. The “No Russian” level of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 comes to mind. In that level, you, as an undercover CIA agent, take part in a mass shooting at an airport in Moscow. The mission was highly controversial, and many spoke out against developer Infinity Ward. Word is beginning to pour in of more controversial moments in the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. With this news, Michael Condrey, the co-founder of Sledgehammer Games, says he’s worried that Modern Warfare is flirting with controversy “for the sake of headlines.”

Recommended Videos

In an interview with Venture Beat, Condrey says that Modern Warfare will have a “tough challenge” considering the current state of the world. Infinity Ward, which is developing the new title, has maintained that it will strive for a more realistic take on modern war. Condrey, however, found those to be “an unfortunate choice of words, rather than the actual intent to depicting the unspeakable atrocities that are the reality of today’s modern conflicts.”

Some of the older Modern Warfare games existed in a post-9/11 world, which was reflected in their themes. There was a rise of anger toward terrorist groups in the Middle East. Those games often placed gamers in the role of a soldier fighting against said terrorists. The setting was acceptable at the time, more or less, but Condrey says that theme can’t exist today.

“The creative challenges of realistic ‘modern warfare’ are complex,” he said. “Western ‘heroes’ killing ‘villains’ in the Middle East simply isn’t good enough.”

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare sledgehammer controversy

Modern Warfare is a dance with the devil

Condrey is experienced with war games. Sledgehammer developed three Call of Duty games over the years, including Modern Warfare 3, Advanced Warfare, and WWII. Naturally, he also knows a lot about the controversies behind some Call of Duty games. However, he believes the next game must tread carefully. His fears are perhaps derived from a recent play test for Modern Warfare. In the demo, it was reported that there was a scene where two children use a screwdriver to kill a Russian soldier. The argument here is that the game might be going overboard.

“I maintain that video games are the most important art form of our time,” Condrey said. “I respect every developer who strives to deliver their work as an extension or reflection of their artistic vision. That said, MW seems like a tough challenge for any studio, especially if they are being pushed by publishing to be more controversial and ‘darker’ for the sake of headlines.”

Of course, we won’t know if Condrey’s words ring true until Call of Duty: Modern Warfare comes out. The game will release this Oct. 25.


PC Invasion is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Cameron Woolsey
Cameron Woolsey
Cam has been shooting for high scores since his days playing on the Atari 2600. Proud member of the Blue Team during the first console war, and has more Sonic paraphernalia than he cares to admit.