Controversy continues around Modern Warfare 2

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is finally here! Many fans saw a massive release of the game this week, especially in the United Kingdom, where a mob of fans gathered in Leicester Square in London. There they witnessed parades of British soldiers in full military gear, and were treated by celebrities during the midnight launch in the country. Indeed, Infinity Ward’s highly anticipated shooter is already meeting critical acclaim, but not all people appreciate everyone’s positive sentiment.

 

Keith Vaz MP, Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee, Leicester East Labour MP, and a long-time video game critic has recently spoken out to oppose the game’s airport massacre scene. Vaz has stated that he is “absolutely shocked by the level of violence in this game, and am particularly concerned about how realistic the game itself looks." Vaz also claimed he will take the issue up in Parliament, but he has now crossed blades with Tom Watson MP, who is positive about the game’s outcome.

 

"It’s not about censorship, it’s about protecting our children," Vaz further added to his argument. Meanwhile, Watson shot back to defend the game with: "I’ve seen the content in this videogame, it is unpleasant, though no worse than in many films and books, it is an 18-plus game and carries the BBFC 18-plus rating as well." Watson has been very sympathetic of the video game industry, and added that it’s better to support than create “moral panic” over the issue.

 

Tiga, the game development trade association for the United Kingdom, has praised Watson’s voice, calling it “encouraging for MP’s to stand up for video games.” Now, Watson has recently established a Facebook group titled ‘Gamer’s Voice.’ The group’s mission is summed up in its main statement, which reads as: "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." Watson’s group has already accumulated over 8,500 members and counting.

 

 

David Gabriel, NoobFeed