Modern Warfare 2 may be banned in Australia

Featured 43 Comments 17 Votes 3271 Views 30/10/2009 Back to News Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Leaked gameplay footage from Modern Warfare 2 has been labeled as "too realistic" leading to speculation that the OFLC may refuse the title classification. The footage features scenes with the ultranationalist Russian terrorist group killing innocent civilians. Players are then asked to actually participate in this; however, the scenes and gameplay can be skipped.

Word spread quickly after the footage got leaked and eventually made itself heard in Australia. Even though the scenes and gameplay are skipable, this is not good enough for Australia's Classification Board, the OFLC. After seeing the footage, the OFLC now wants to reconsider its MA15+ rating. If they deem the content to be unsuitable for 15-year-olds it'll be refused classification, and effectively banned in Australia.

Activsion released a statement to Kotaku explaining that it was "meant to evoke the atrocities of terrorism."

This is what the OFLC reported when they saw the scene, via Kotaku:

"Several civilians are shot with blood burst bullet wounds; civilian corpses are strewn across the airport floor, often in stylised pools of blood; injured civilians crawl away with lengthy blood trails behind them."

Infinity Ward is yet to comment on Australia's recent outrage, but because of the OFLC's poor track record Infinity Ward may have to consider editing the game to sell it down under. Valve and Left 4 Dead 2 anyone?

***UPDATE***

It appears that the OFLC will be NOT be banning Modern Warfare 2 after all since they have already rated it MA15+ and thus, their decision is pretty much final. However, that does not mean that the people offended by the graphic footage will not stop fighting to convince the OFLC to have Modern Warfare 2 off store shelves. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC on November 10th as scheduled.

Written by K-Man

News Article by: Ben 64219Kudos 30/10/2009

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Australian Release: Out Now

Modern Warfare 2 may be banned in Australia Comments

Kudos: 5,442

Armige

What a load of ****
Fuk all of you.

30/10/2009

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 4,474

whyt_guy

WWHHHYYYYYY????????????

Isn't war like that anyways?..

30/10/2009

NSW, Bossley Park

Kudos: 64,219

Ben

"meant to evoke the atrocities of terrorism." This is the bit the OFLC doesn't like methinks.

30/10/2009

This is a story back when the member formerly known as ICC was currently known as ICC.

Kudos: 2,010

D_Wad3

oh come on! L4D 2 now MW2, what's next?!

30/10/2009

Sydney, NSW

Kudos: 64,219

Ben

It's just media hype by the way. Highly unlikely that anything will come from this

30/10/2009

This is a story back when the member formerly known as ICC was currently known as ICC.

Kudos: 30,777

Mirage

This was posted by a guy in Myps3: au.xbox360.ign.com/

To sum it up nice and neatly for you guys: "The OFLC will not review it's rating on the game due to: No post mortem damage being able to be afflicted on civilians in the airport level and in later stages the level will restart upon civilian damage. (Checkpoints).

30/10/2009

Toki said: Kman saw a 8 year old girl alone in the street, 15min later..Kman is in the police station, no he did not get rewarded for saving her etc he ended up in jail

Kudos: 259

killelliot

Thats bull crap if its banned.

30/10/2009

Perth

Kudos: 12,376

azn_kvn69

That would be so ****. ****en OFLC.

30/10/2009

NINTENDOLAND

Kudos: 4,097

w3v3

Honestly guys, do you blame the OFLC? The **** they've banned stuff for before is 10 times less graphic than what is depicted. Do I think it should be banned? No. Just saying that it reaally is no suprise if it were to be. Reading what MasterMira posted sounds promising though.

If ever there was a game that I think deserved an R18, I really think this is it. In relation to other games where violence occurs, such as GTA4, it is a semi realistic but stylised world. You just need to watch the TV to see that it doesn't take itself too seriously. MW2 on the other hand is striving to be a real depiction of modern day war. I really think 15 is too young an age, judging by the maturity I've seen in a lot of people that age.

I'm not saying everyone that age is imature, but generally, that's the case. Just like not all 18+ are mature, but generally, they would know how to cope better with what is being depicted.

Bah! Stupid rant. I just really think this game needs an R18+ sticker on it, and the rating needs to be introduced.

30/10/2009

Wollongong, NSW

Kudos: 4,668

McQueen

killing civilians, my dream.

30/10/2009

Bagina Island

Kudos: 2,971

psportable

oh man the first thing i want to do after playing cod mw2's first level is go to an airport and kill people wtf I hate these people i mean whats gta about honestley ?

30/10/2009

Enedwaith, Rohan, Middle Earth! (melb)

Kudos: 6,403

lo33a

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

30/10/2009

NSW - SUCH iS LiFE

Kudos: 21,073

Elraro

w3v3 said: Honestly guys, do you blame the OFLC? The **** they've banned stuff for before is 10 times less graphic than what is depicted. Do I think it should be banned? No. Just saying that it reaally is no suprise if it were to be. Reading what MasterMira posted sounds promising though.
If ever there was a game that I think deserved an R18, I really think this is it. In relation to other games where violence occurs, such as GTA4, it is a semi realistic but stylised world. You just need to watch the TV to see that it doesn't take itself too seriously. MW2 on the other hand is striving to be a real depiction of modern day war. I really think 15 is too young an age, judging by the maturity I've seen in a lot of people that age.
I'm not saying everyone that age is imature, but generally, that's the case. Just like not all 18+ are mature, but generally, they would know how to cope better with what is being depicted.
Bah! Stupid rant. I just really think this game needs an R18+ sticker on it, and the rating needs to be introduced.

Pretty much this.

But if MW2 is indeed passed, there will be some very serious issues in regards to the board's double-standards. How will they justify allowing MW2 unedited into the country but refuse Left 4 Dead 2 because of zombie decapitations?

30/10/2009

Sydney

Kudos: 6,215

wii4life

Just becuase this "Jane Roberts" doesn't like what she sees pfft then don't watch it simple easy and effective

30/10/2009

Brisbane

Kudos: 5,442

Armige

McQueen said: killing civilians, my dream.

True that!!!

30/10/2009

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 21,073

Elraro

Armige said:
McQueen said: killing civilians, my dream.

True that!!!

And this is why we don't have an R-18+ classification for games.

30/10/2009

Sydney

Kudos: 5,442

Armige

Elraro said:
Armige said:
McQueen said: killing civilians, my dream.

True that!!!

And this is why we don't have an R-18+ classification for games.

Only joking

30/10/2009

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 13,525

Kerosanak

Words cannot describe how much I would laugh if this did get banned in the next 10 days, nothing against the game or the people who play it, it would just be a damn funny situation. Teh internet would asplode with rage.

30/10/2009

I'm already kind of a big deal in New Vegas

Kudos: 64,219

Ben

Update from K-Man

30/10/2009

This is a story back when the member formerly known as ICC was currently known as ICC.

Kudos: 4,668

McQueen

Armige said:
Only joking

jo-king? What is this word?

30/10/2009

Bagina Island

Kudos: 5,289

ducati_748

Yeah i'm with kero. I wont really play it. So to see the 'Game of the Year before its come out' get banned. Mega lol. Shame its not happening

30/10/2009

Brisbane, Queensland

Kudos: 12,647

Makra

Kerosanak said: Teh internet would asplode with rage.

Lol. Without a doubt. It would implode on itself

Might even be big enough to earn its own historical name.

30/10/2009

I think religion is a pretty cool guy. eh kills ppl, impedes soical progress, strats wars, and doesnt afraid of anything.

Kudos: 60

mrpoop105

D_Wad3 said: oh come on! L4D 2 now MW2, what's next?!

the next gen of consoles

30/10/2009

London!

Kudos: 3,318

NFSGamer

Better not be banned. if it is... I DEMAND MY MONEY BACK

30/10/2009

Adelaide,South Australia

Kudos: 2,399

janey

people need to get a life i mean they have nothing better to do but dis games, i bet its the parents that complain about there children that play consoles and have nothing better to do.. all i can say to that is go **** yourself

30/10/2009

australia

Kudos: 311

Jarsta007

BETTER ****ING NOT!

30/10/2009

To your left...

Kudos: 4,097

w3v3

janey said: people need to get a life i mean they have nothing better to do but dis games, i bet its the parents that complain about there children that play consoles and have nothing better to do.. all i can say to that is go **** yourself

The go **** yourself attitude really isn't the solution to the problem. As soon as you say that it serves as ammo to the immaturity argument.

I do agree however, that parents need to know what it is they are giving their kids and not blame the creators of the content. They shouldn't expect others to do their job for them.

God we really need the R18+ rating.

31/10/2009

Wollongong, NSW

Kudos: 5,289

ducati_748

While we're at it, why dont we get at R20+ rating? Sounds more exclusive, dont ya think?

31/10/2009

Brisbane, Queensland

Kudos: 4,939

Nubcake

why do we even have the OFLC (Official ****ing Losers Community)

31/10/2009

Death Star

Kudos: 1,692

AUZZIE82

THANK **** FOR UPDATES

31/10/2009

GT:xFIRSTBLOODxAUS ....NSW CENTRAL COAST

Kudos: 23

gough93

It's just a game get over it

31/10/2009

melbourne, victoria

Kudos: 2,262

Rhodsta

Nah this is pretty bad and I have to agree and say that no way is that suitable for 15 years olds and thus 12 year olds who will get their parents to buy them this game. Now i cant wait for the game but I really think it should be 18+. I mean are a 12 year olds parents likely to buy them this game if its rated R?

Personally I think they have really crossed the line. I know occasionally everyone goes on rampages in GTA and oblivion (oh the fun) but seriously, being forced to do it as part of the game? WTF? Too far.

01/11/2009

Adelaide

Kudos: 3,796

Magoolz

Rhodsta said: Nah this is pretty bad and I have to agree and say that no way is that suitable for 15 years olds and thus 12 year olds who will get their parents to buy them this game. Now i cant wait for the game but I really think it should be 18+. I mean are a 12 year olds parents likely to buy them this game if its rated R?
Personally I think they have really crossed the line. I know occasionally everyone goes on rampages in GTA and oblivion (oh the fun) but seriously, being forced to do it as part of the game? WTF? Too far.

You are not FORCED to do it. Apparently it's skipable.

01/11/2009

Yepp, I'm back =D

Kudos: 4,939

Nubcake

if the game was rated R 18+ then the amount of copies sold would drop by like 50-75%.

01/11/2009

Death Star

Kudos: 4,097

w3v3

Magooley said:
Rhodsta said: Nah this is pretty bad and I have to agree and say that no way is that suitable for 15 years olds and thus 12 year olds who will get their parents to buy them this game. Now i cant wait for the game but I really think it should be 18+. I mean are a 12 year olds parents likely to buy them this game if its rated R?
Personally I think they have really crossed the line. I know occasionally everyone goes on rampages in GTA and oblivion (oh the fun) but seriously, being forced to do it as part of the game? WTF? Too far.

You are not FORCED to do it. Apparently it's skipable.

Yeah, but generally it will be every person under the age of 15 that will just dive right in, think it's awesome, and have Infinity Ward's intentions for the level flight right over their heads. Not saying all under 15s will react like that, but look around, it's safe to assume the majority will.

02/11/2009

Wollongong, NSW

Kudos: 24,415

hamzie

ban it
ban it
nawt

01/11/2009

I just puked in tonyamanda's mouth

Kudos: 1,239

SH4D0W

Good to see that it is not banned!
if it was banned i would RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEE

01/11/2009

Adelaide - GT: KrYpTiC SHaDoWx youtube.com/krypticgaming

Kudos: 6,403

lo33a

great news that it isnt banned, have to get this one on release date incase they try taking it off the shelves again

02/11/2009

NSW - SUCH iS LiFE

Kudos: 1,239

SH4D0W

lo33a said: great news that it isnt banned, have to get this one on release date incase they try taking it off the shelves again

Is it possible they will take it off the shelf?

02/11/2009

Adelaide - GT: KrYpTiC SHaDoWx youtube.com/krypticgaming

Kudos: 23

gough93

don't take a game to far. i just a game

03/11/2009

melbourne, victoria

Kudos: 4

up4187

WTF, **** the OFLC, they can beat it, they could stop all this fkn whinging if they just gave out an R 18+ game, it won't stop the young people playing these type of games, like ffs my lil 6 year old bro is playing GTA 4, its not gonna stop anyone. I pre ordered my MW2 and I plan going to the Midnight launch and getting my fresshhhh catt MW2 and killin every INNOCENT civilian I can.

Latazzz

08/11/2009

Canberra

Kudos: 4

up4187

SH4D0W said:
lo33a said: great news that it isnt banned, have to get this one on release date incase they try taking it off the shelves again

Is it possible they will take it off the shelf?

yeah and the gay kientz will take it off the shelf if to many mums keep on sookin about it bein to violent for their 10 yr old son

08/11/2009

Canberra

Kudos: 2

madmarvin

to hell with the sensors, just mod your boxes and download the games instead.

24/11/2009

tasmania