Kuwait has rescinded approval for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which portrays Saddam Hussein amidst the Gulf War context. The decision affects the game’s release and pre-orders in the region, prompting Activision to express hopes for a reversal from local authorities.
Kuwait has recently retracted its authorization for the well-known video game, Call of Duty, which prominently features the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. This series, developed by Activision and backed by Microsoft, is scheduled for release on Friday. Although the Kuwaiti government has not formally acknowledged this de facto ban, it has implications for the game’s availability in the region. The latest installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, includes narratives centered around the 1990s Gulf War, wherein CIA operatives engage in operations in both the United States and the Middle East. This depiction includes scenes reminiscent of Kuwait’s history, particularly the devastation caused by Iraqi forces during the conflict, including the infamous burning of oil fields, which inflicted considerable ecological and economic harm. Furthermore, the gameplay showcases a multiplayer mode featuring desert combat scenarios that may invoke distressing memories for the Kuwaiti population, including areas named Scud and Babylon. Activision has confirmed that the game will not be released in Kuwait, resulting in the cancellation and refund of all pre-orders placed in the region. The company has expressed optimism that local authorities will revise their decision, allowing Kuwaiti players access to this installment of the Black Ops series.
This controversy surrounding Call of Duty reflects broader tensions between entertainment media and historical sensitivities in the Middle East, particularly regarding the legacy of Saddam Hussein and the Gulf War. As a franchise, Call of Duty has frequently navigated controversial subject matter, with previous entries eliciting criticisms for their depictions of real-world violence and sensitive historical incidents. The game’s portrayal of the Gulf War, specifically within a context that includes references to painful memories and national traumas, has led to heightened scrutiny from regional authorities, leading Kuwait to withdraw its approval for this installment.
In summary, the retraction of approval for Call of Duty in Kuwait underscores the challenges faced by game developers when addressing themes that resonate with historical trauma and national identity. The game’s content had prompted local authorities to withhold a necessary age certification, effectively banning its release. Activision’s hope for a reconsideration reflects a recognition of the importance of engaging with local sentiments in the gaming industry.
Original Source: news.sky.com
