Kuwait has revoked approval for “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” which includes imagery of Saddam Hussein and themes from the Gulf War. Activision indicated that the game will not be released in the region without local age certification, leading to the cancellation of pre-orders. The situation emphasizes the sensitive nature of video games in contexts affected by historical conflict.
Kuwait has officially retracted its approval for the widely recognized video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” which prominently features the late Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein. The game, to be launched by Activision, a subsidiary of Microsoft, incorporates elements from the Gulf War, with gameplay focused on CIA operatives navigating through conflicts in the US and the Middle East. Trailers for the game have provoked strong feelings among Kuwaitis, as graphic depictions of burning oil fields evoke memories of the destruction they witnessed during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces. In addition to visuals of Hussein and the historical Iraqi flag, the game’s multiplayer component includes a map titled “Scud,” referencing the missiles used in the conflict. Despite the game’s imminent release, Kuwait has not formally announced a ban. However, activision has confirmed that local authorities have not assigned an age rating, thus preventing official sales within the region. As a result, the company has indicated that all pre-orders in Kuwait will be canceled and refunded. Further expressing hope, Activision stated, “We remain hopeful that local authorities will reconsider and allow players in Kuwait to enjoy this all-new experience in the Black Ops series.” This incident underscores the ongoing tension between video game content and political sensitivities in the region, highlighted by previous bans in countries like China and Russia due to similar controversies.
The Call of Duty franchise, which began in 2003, has amassed a significant following and has been involved in various controversies surrounding its depiction of real-life conflicts. The latest installment, “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” is set against the backdrop of the Gulf War, a historical conflict where Kuwait faced significant threats from Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s regime. The game’s content, featuring images and themes closely tied to the war, raises sensitivities for Kuwaitis, who suffered grave losses during that time. The refusal to grant age certification for the game by Kuwaiti authorities reflects broader issues regarding the intersection of media, memory, and political integrity in the region.
In summary, the withdrawal of approval for “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” in Kuwait highlights the complexities of video game releases in politically sensitive regions. Activision’s acknowledgment of the situation and its hope for reconsideration from local authorities underscores the company’s awareness of the broader implications of its game content. This development serves as a reminder of the ongoing delicate balance video game developers must maintain between creative expression and political sensitivities, particularly in contexts steeped in historical conflict.
Original Source: news.sky.com
