First of all I can't wait to get home and check out the video.

As to the MW2 stuff, I think people hear "Game" combined with that sort of violance and they automatically take the basic perspective that games are for kids. That is not so in this modern day and age; There are lots of games focussed towards the adult market, and people need to remember this.

Of course I fully believe these games should be properly evaluated and restricted accordingly to stop youngsters buying them, and parents need to take more responsibility in what they allow their children to play.

Lets face it, controversy is a tried and tested advertising platform and these people know it. ;)

Gerrad,

Its always the element of interactivity that causes the issue.

To take an extreme example eg there is a large difference between watching a movie where hitler orders the extermination of jews and playing a (I hope) theoretical game as hitler and ordering the extermination. I would probably watch the former but I would NOT play the latter. And would have a huge issue with any game that allowed someone to play.

The element of interactivity essentially, im my mind at any rate, means the player is condoning at least in the context of the game that characters actions.

Where as in a movie setting the watcher as a passive observer and stands back from the action.

So back to your point. A game that has a terrorist plot may be ok depending on the context. If you are playing as the terrorist I would take issue. But if I was playing as say an intelligence agent sent to hunt the terrorists down I would be more comfortable.

Also what message are the developers trying to send?

Hope this make sense.

I think a lot of these companies hope to get this sort of publicity. It’s free and it often goes world wide. Look at the Da Vinci Code. That could just be the best marketing plan of all time. Let a whole bunch of groups (some who have read the book – others who haven’t) debate whether it offends them or not. You get total coverage making the product cooler by the second. I wouldn’t be surprised if the MW2 footage was leaked for this very reason.

Another nice video. Keep 'em coming Gerard :-)

I was playing the monastery scene last night in my second playthrough, on my quest to get the platinum trophy. I didn't back my abilities enough, and my first playthrough was completed on Normal, whereas you have to complete it on Hard before you can play it on Crushing (required to get platinum). The good thing is that the action is so much fun, it stands up well to multiple plays.

As for the terrorism sequence in MW2, I agree with your decision to leave final opinion until it can be viewed in full context, but allow me to elaborate a little on why I brought it up yesterday. I have no problem with terrorism being used in story-lines at all, and in fact often enjoy watching movies and TVs revolving around terrorist plots (24 being a particular favourite). The thing that worried me initially about this gameplay was that you as the player appear to be playing the role of the terrorist, and this almost seemed like an endorsement of terrorist activities, as you are the initiator of the atrocities instead of the one trying to stop the evil bad guys for a change. And by being an active participant in it, the focus seemed to be shifting from 'bad' to 'fun'.

These people have an agenda of their own and their actions are usually a result of their religious beliefs. Depending on your culture you may interpret these scenes in different ways.

I have no problem with the different perspective applied here. Interactive or not I am privileged enough to be able to distinguish this as entertainment and treat it as such.

"Interactive or not I am privileged enough to be able to distinguish this as entertainment and treat it as such." And I think thats where part of the problem comes in actually - more and more people are unable to differentiate between reality and what is presented in the media as entertainment. For an example in my media studies at Uni this year over 80% of the class (of about 400) believed that the scientific processes showed on crime shows such as CSI were real and accurate (i.e. DNA tests done in 20 minutes, being able to zoom in to the minutest pixel on a sh***y photo or video image etc etc).

My understanding is that the terrorist sequence was made optional for players because of the sensitivites around this - or to stop the media from going too nuts about it (but give it free publicity anyway).

Personally, I think that if the OFLC have allowed MW2 to be sold unmodified, then that sequence might not be as bad as we think. The OFLC aren't above banning games in NZ if they deem it 'injurous to the public good'.

While i dont think that playing as a terrorist gunning down innocent civilians is a good thing, if it fits into the plot of the game well, then it could be something very insignificant, harmless.

But one thing that really gets at me is, while all of these people are up in arms about a shooting sequence involving terrorists and civilians in a video game, what the hell are they doing supporting a war where thousands of innocent civilians have died and thousands more will die, by playing a damn game based on it, or supporting their country's decision to go to war, based on next to nothing??!!

To me it is complete hipocracy. While I agree having something such as terrorists gunning down civ's could be in poor taste (if done with the wrong meaning behind it, havent seen the footage either) and that young kids should probably not play it, unfortunately they are exposed to this kinda crap everyday, on the news, someone mentioned before, 24 and other similar series.

In america, the military is a positive thing, its cool to kill terrorists, look at all the damn american, hero-type, terrorist war movies coming out these days. Dont worry about why you're here in afganistan killing people, dont worry about the meaning behind it, and dont question the reasons behind why we started this war, just go and kill yourself some rag heads. You know, where's the line between right and wrong in this case? Gunning down civilians in a video game, or actually doing it in the military? This world is a f***ed up place man. Things like this just really get to me. And like somone mentioned, most of us can desipher the difference between reality and video games cant we? I hope I dont piss anyone off with this wee rant, but come on people, its a game, and should be treated as such. I would much prefer to see someone doing this kind of thing on a video game rather than in real life killing people for no apparent reason in a meaningless war.

Personally, i dont give a crap about what is in a game, its a game, and if its fun, i will play it.

I dont really have an opinion. And normally dont care. But I recon it should be up to the parents to decide reather the game is suitable for their kids AND NOT THE GOVERNMENT OR MEDIA.

Ok, on a side note, i have yet to purcahse U2 but can't wait. Speaking about MW2 why has noone mentioned not the violence or terrorism sequence but the PRICE $150 for a ps3 game, i don't care how good it is they can all get f***ed i mean come on don't buy games at these prices, it just warrents the next company to release there "awesome" game at the same price. I thought $130 was pushing it but $150 is just a crime and its sick :(