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Children's lobby group wants Modern Warfare 2 banned in Australia

When news spread about the recently leaked video of the airport scene in the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 game, it caused considerable concern from gamers and news outlets alike. Although no background details are given about the mission in question of the footage, it has many concluding that that player is involved in a terrorist massacre inside an airport where civilians are gunned down amid screams and chaos.

While more details are coming to hand, Infinity Ward (the developers behind Modern Warfare 2) are still keeping details considerably tight lipped. The OFLC Classification Board, which has given Modern Warfare 2 a MA15+ rating and the green light for release in Australia, has remarked that "no post mortem damage can be inflicted on victims and, in other missions in the game, killing a civilian results in mission failure".

That, however, has not stopped outraged groups from calling for an immediate re-rating for the game. Jane Roberts, president of the Australian Council on Children and the Media, is requesting the Office and Film Literature Classification (OFLC) to re-review their MA15+ classification for Modern Warfare 2, with the hope that it won't receive a classification (and therefore banning it from any local sales) the next time round. The argument being put forward is that the game could still b easily accessed by people under 15. From the Sydney Morning Herald...

"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 a leisure time activity, actually promoting what most world leaders speak out publicly against," said Roberts, who is also the principal policy officer in Western Australia's Department of Premier and Cabinet.

"We understand that it's a game but ... we're not far off when you look at the images that you could actually put it on a Channel Nine news report and you'd think maybe that is real.

"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."

Perhaps even more perplexing is the following sweeping comment by the South Australian Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, on the matter...

Expecting game designers to be responsible by not glorifying terrorism will always lead to disappointment.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 30/10/09 - 3:29 AM Permalink

I'm really passionate about free speech, and the need for an R18 rating in Australia. However, I found that the footage I've seen from the opening of MW2 is extremely disturbing and has completely turned me off buying the game.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 30/10/09 - 9:47 AM Permalink

To actualy consider banning this game is just stupid it's the most antisapated game of the year and is going to be awesome.
I can't wait to play it. Do not ban this game in Australia or you will have alot of unhappy people in tha country
if u must put a R rating but for us gamers over 18 don't stop us from playing.

Talk of ths is shocking, to even consider banning it I laughh at the idea so stupid

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 31/10/09 - 11:59 AM Permalink

I agree !! this is pathetic to think that they can stop a game from one scene get over it!! If you dont like it dont buy it simple as that but for that childrens group to stop a game for one thing is a disgrace dont buy it if you dont like that because of one scene. Dont cry about it and want it banned get on with your lifes. Ive also heard that the game prompts you whether to continue into that scene or game play you have the option whether to or not and the apparent fact is terrosim is apart of everyday life

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/11/09 - 10:49 PM Permalink

this game is full of win, including start

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/11/09 - 3:22 PM Permalink

"banning this game is just stupid it's the most antisapated game of the year"

Learn to spell before you want to start calling things stupid.

Submitted by souri on Fri, 30/10/09 - 1:42 PM Permalink

Activision has responded about that footage saying that it is entirely skippable, so if you don't want to see that particular part, you don't have to.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 26/03/10 - 12:34 PM Permalink

Thats rather a pathetic comment, I don't agree with banning the game, but a comment like that was astoundingly stupid, it's people like yourself that lead to lobby groups intending to ban games like this.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 16/12/09 - 11:43 PM Permalink

Hey, if your soo turned off buy the game, then don't buy it, noone's asking you to buy it you retard, don't ruin australia's gaming community by banning it considering most australian's don't want this game banned.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 30/10/09 - 9:19 AM Permalink

....... as game development advances and graphics, effects, physics, AI and everything else all becomes more realistic in a game. The more these things improve, the more ammunition* it gives to the people who continue to push the blame for bad things happening on everything other than the humans themselves. Because there were no wars before computer games and action movies..... right ??

It would be interesting to see if a realistic re-make of Pacman caused uproar by people who deemed it to condone drug taking.

*pun intended

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 30/10/09 - 9:41 AM Permalink

Fascists.

Normal people think "I don't like this game so I will should not buy it".

Deranged people think "I don't like this game so no one should buy it".

Its a war out there people, we can't let the deranged dictate their personal opinions on others.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 30/10/09 - 10:09 AM Permalink

...the videos have all been lifted for copyright violation so no one can actually make their own balanced judgment or determination unless they actually buy the game so all that's left now is to get on the hype train to misinformed central!

Come on parents, this is no longer news. Some games are for ADULTS! If you let your kids watch NCIS or the countless other graphic shows then you have no issue. If you don't then don't let them have this game.

Ignorance is bliss...right! There's got to be a lot of bliss around then.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 30/10/09 - 10:42 AM Permalink

That's a problem in australia. We don't have a rating for games that are for ADULTS, so...

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 31/10/09 - 6:19 PM Permalink

seriously you cant ban a game that is the one of the mostly antisapated game of all time. and yes you can skip the airport scene. if you dont want your kids playing the game dont let them get it its that bloody simple seriously!

YEWWWW MODERN WARFARE 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/11/09 - 12:18 PM Permalink

i hate these people they screwd us over with left 4 dead now they want to get rid of one of the most anticipated games of the year just because some fuck wit parent who fucking bought the game in the first place doesnt want there kid to play this amazing game. im australian and i fucking hate these fucking over protective parents spoiling this game for us just because little Johnny might get a bit scared, FUCK OFF ACCM

Submitted by shackz on Sun, 01/11/09 - 12:28 PM Permalink

Hey guys i am looking forward to this game but not only because it is a highly anticipated title but because it is pushing the bounds of interative entertainment. Now for this ban issue, i personaly think that Australia is a bit to conservity when it comes to making something legal. I'm no expert but with the MA15+ rating alot of games now days that dipict violence blood gore and inapropiate matters are getting shoved ever so tightly into that rating. Australia needs the R18 rating for games so that we can control the flow of information that is transfered via games.

A retailer wouldnt sell a R18 game to a 15 year old- this is so true i wouldnt sell it to customers under the age.

FYI i am againts the ban of course.

This limit on ratings is strangling the game industry here in Australia and not letting the industry explore new avenues. I am not saying that we should make a terrorist shooting civilians game im just saying that when something doesnt fit right with one person not to take down the whole experience for the other people. If you dont like the game or discusted by it DONT BUY IT, DONT LET YOUR CHILDREN PLAY IT, YOU are the parents take control of ur children and dont go out there on this massive witch hunt to ruin it for the rest of us.

Shackz
Game Artist

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/11/09 - 9:54 PM Permalink

This woman better have life insurance....because if she has her wishes fulfilled ..... all hells gonna break loose in Australia and there will be the outbreak of a civil war....so her banning the game is actually a rlly poor choice.
1. She is a fool .
2. I would have killed her by now if she was my mum

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/11/09 - 10:26 PM Permalink

Yeah you make a good argument that gamers aren't fucked up. Thanks for helping our cause, dickhead.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/11/09 - 4:40 PM Permalink

Your comment alone confirms why many people are concerned about young people in particular playing these violent games. When someone becomes so desensitized to violence and gore they do crazy stuff and threaten to kill someone....over a GAME. Now that makes you the fool.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 16/11/09 - 5:34 PM Permalink

I think you sum up why people want to see games like this banned. Personally I believe in getting an R18+ rating but I can see where some people might start to see violence being caused by violent video games. Your comment for example is a great example of this.

Submitted by Sabre070 on Sun, 01/11/09 - 10:03 PM Permalink

This is footage of a movie in the game.. You don't control the character doing it?

If so, then it's no different to watching a gory movie.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/11/09 - 12:01 AM Permalink

Yes you do control it 100% , you can either choose to play the mission or can opt out ... I do agree this footage should not be included in this game as no real reason for it and story could of been told differently or using a cut scene of the airport...

I also agree we need a 18+ rating for games as i am part of a very large gaming community with over 30,000 members all 25+ we have quiet a few members who play MW1 now and who like to play these type games but as adults we know the difference.... i want to get it but would not want children playing this at all cause of this scene and its current rating.

it has just been re-rated in the UK to 18+

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/11/09 - 11:15 AM Permalink

I think the developers have done exactly the right thing. From the sounds of it they have put a very interesting, thought provoking scene into the game, but given those who may not have the stomach for it the opportunity to skip. These guys are pushing story telling in games forward as an art, not just falling back to the tired old hollywood model of always telling the story of the heroic good guy.

"I do agree this footage should not be included in this game as no real reason for it and story could of been told differently or using a cut scene of the airport..."

I think it's a bit sad that you think developers shouldn't be pushing the boundaries of story-telling through games. As an industry we should be applauding this effort. Especially in such a high-profile game, this is quite risky for them, so they should certainly be commended for their bravery. They are a shining example of games as an artform, and how they can be an artform even in such a highly commercial arena.

Submitted by souri on Mon, 02/11/09 - 12:00 PM Permalink

You know, Infinity Ward have said something to that effect actually. This game is all about terrorism, why should they sugar coat a pretty serious theme.

I actually really enjoyed the story in Modern Warfare - there's a point in the story that really shook me (not because it was graphic or violent), but it was really unexpected, story wise. I'm really looking forward to what they do in MW2 (if and when I can afford a copy :< ).

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/11/09 - 11:21 PM Permalink

I will throw up if this comes true i WILL go on strike if it gets baned and i know people who will join me if this game is banned and doesn't get unbanned i am moving from Australia. THIS IS ABSOULTY OUTRAGEOUS. Why would the game be banned if news shows real life footage of terrorist attacks all the time. Why is there always someone trying to ruin everything. Sure it may not be pleasant for some but its not as if they are forced to play it. PLEASE i beg of the OFLC if you are reading this please don't ban it. What about Grand Theft Auto all you do is kill citizens.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/11/09 - 12:26 PM Permalink

The fact that this game has been highly anticipated for nearly a YEAR and they decide to ban it just weeks before the release after it has been pre-ordered by countless people. Not to mention game reatailers are going to lose a large amount of money if it does get banned. Quite frankly this is an OUTRAGE and i would write a large amount of explitiives here but unfortunatley this would not get posted. IF YOU DONT WANT CHILDREN PLAYING THE GAME TELL THE PARENTS AND DONT RUIN IT FOR EVERYBODY ELSE. If game gets banned expect massive gamer suicide and it will be the OFLC to blame. FUCK THE OFLC MODERN WARFARE 2 OR DEATH!!!

Submitted by souri on Mon, 02/11/09 - 2:45 PM Permalink

I think I read else where that the OFLC have stated that they will not re-review the MA15+ rating they've already given Modern Warfare 2, which will be a relief for many. I can't imagine a more anticipated game coming this year than MW2.

If they had to do what they did to Left 4 Dead 2, it would be a serious disappointment. Has anyone checked out the demo (or watched the footage of the cut version on youtube) already? What a joke. I know they've stated that zombies won't be staying on the ground for long, but if you look carefully, they actually start to fade out as they fall.