CoD fans split after Infinity Ward claims Modern Warfare is ‘not political’

Call of Duty fans are seemingly divided following a number of Infinity Ward developers stating that the upcoming Modern Warfare will not be a “political” game. 

As Modern Warfare’s October 25 release date edges closer, information regarding the game is trickling out. One thing that has emerged recently is the lack of a “political” stance taken by the game, in any of its modes.

The first time this news broke was during Game Informer’s ‘129 Rapid Fire Questions About Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’ interview. In that video, Infinity Ward’s Art Director, Joel Emslie, was asked whether Modern Warfare is political. 

Modern Warfare will feature many real-life aspects, like Juggernaut suits, but the game’s developers do not think it is political.

In response to Game Informer’s question, Emslie simply replied: “No. We’re just making a game.” He then followed this up by saying it would be “insane” to make a political game. 

However, he did describe the game’s main narrative as a “very relevant contemporary war story”. 

• Read More: How to watch CWL Championship 2019 – Multi-stream, schedule, pools and more

Adopting a similar approach to Emslie, Jacob Minkoff, the game’s Campaign Gameplay Director responded: “I don’t think that it’s a political game.” 

Despite that, he acknowledged that the term “politics” means different things to different people, and that topics relevant to today’s political landscape are touched within the game.

Minkoff continued: “Are we telling a story that has anything to do with the specific governments of any country that we are portraying? No. So if you’re asking ‘Is Trump in the video game?’ No he isn’t.” 

Fan responses have been fairly divided to the news, with some arguing a game about ‘modern warfare’ will be inherently political, while others are pleased to see such a popular game avoiding such a divisive topic. 

H/T: ComicBook

There has been much speculation about Modern Warfare’s specific setting, with many questioning whether the game will comment on relevant themes, or try and offer some political commentary on modern wars. 

• Read More: Drift0r explains why Modern Warfare is “absolutely not” designed for competitive

2017’s Call of Duty: WWII was criticized by some for the inclusion of female soldiers in Multiplayer, due to historical inaccuracy. Some perceived this as political influence within video games, and a need to conform to political correctness. 

However, it seems that Infinity Ward are not too interested in politics, and are just focused on making an immersive, enjoyable game.