What is your call of duty?

Nov 09, 2010

The new Call of Duty game came out today. Activision typically releases this game during the Veterans Day holidays and I've always been disturbed by this. It also amazes me they don't get any complaints for doing so, and what does it says about us, as a society, that has made a video game out of warfare.

For those who may not know, COD is a first and third person shooter video game simulating modern warfare. To be fair, there are several other games like COD, for example Medal of Honor, and it is a very big business, during the 2009 release of COD, Activision sold 55 million units worldwide and made $3 billion in retail sales.

Perhaps I'm too sensitive to the juxtaposition of a game release simulating modern battle conditions while we are suppose to pause and reflect on those who have served. Veterans Day is typically referred to as Armistice Day in Europe and marks the armistice that Germany signed on Nov 11, 1918, that ended the First World War. Each year since, nations have marked the day as a day of remembrance. This will be the 91st year.

After World War II, there were public calls in the US to change the holiday to "All" Veterans Day to include all veterans and not just those who served in WWI. Congress marked the change in 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans". In some countries the holiday is referred to as "Remembrance Day", which I think more appropriate and reminds people that many who served are actually deceased or missing in action.

Like many, I have veterans in my family that go back to the Revolution. My father was a Vietnam vet and is buried in Arlington. When I visit Arlington, I know I'm not alone, there are, unfortunately, many fathers buried there. Fathers, husbands, bothers, sons, and yes also many mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. Some were old when they passed, but most  were kids. Just young kids, who may have preferred to play a video game than face the hell that cost them their very lives. The current total is over 300,000 and it grows each year, and many may not realize this, but Arlington isn't the only veterans cemetery in the country. There are many throughout the US and several overseas. If you haven't visited a National Cemetery or a State Veteran Cemetery yet, I would encourage you to do so this week. http://www.cem.va.gov/cems_nmc.asp

I'm concern that many millions buy and play a video game that simulates the very hell that our service men and women face everyday in combat operations overseas. I know that these games will continue to exist and  will remain popular, but I wonder the affects it has on us, as a society and for the individuals who play them. Is it appropriate for Activision  to release such a game during a period that has been set aside for people to reflect on the sacrifices that our veterans have made? Why do they never get any complaints for doing so? Is it even sensible to make a game out of modern warfare?

I can't change the behavior of society or large corporations. I can only talk to YOU the reader of this blog post. I hope my concerns and thoughts do have an impact on you. And so my question is simply this, how will YOU honor our veterans and those who sacrifice their lives for our freedoms this holiday? What is your call of duty on this Veterans' Day?

Comments

Rudi Shumpert

Rudi Shumpert wrote on 11/09/10 2:32 PM

John,

Well said. It is important to take the time to really honor the day in a manner that it deserves.

-Rudi
Adam Lehman

Adam Lehman wrote on 11/09/10 3:03 PM

I think this is a really good post, but to be fair, Microsoft isn't the creator or publisher for Call of Duty. Call of Duty is published by Activision. I don't think MS has anything to do with CoD.

The fact that millions play games that simulate the hell of war is quite interesting. However, I'd spin that equation around. Rather than assume the video game is having an affect on it's players, maybe generations after generations of wars have hardwired us (humans) to the task of war. So maybe these video games are just answering some desire that's buried within us.

I happen to live right next to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. When I picked up CoD:MW2, the majority of people in line were servicemen. So this isn't just something thats exclusively for the public.

In the end, the greatest thing we can do for Veterans is to remember the conflicts and lives lost before us. I think CoD does that.
John Mason

John Mason wrote on 11/09/10 3:43 PM

Thanks for the feedback and correction. I'm modifying the post with Activision where I said Microsoft. Somehow I mixed the two up.

I directly question the concept that war is somehow hardwired in us, and that this game is an outlet. It may feel that way, but I do understand that for many, these games, are just a simple addiction - nothing more. I'll also point out, that these games are designed, on purpose, to work on you psychologically. In my view, that draws many ethical concerns.

Yes, I also know many current servicemen and veterans that play these games as well, and this post and my concerns outlined wasn't just for civilians.
David Boyer

David Boyer wrote on 11/29/10 3:57 AM

What tends to worry me more is the amount of kids playing these games. It's been a struggle to explain to my 12 year old boy why I don't want him to have an 18 rated game, when all the other kids in school have it. A lot of parents these days don't appear to realise how realistic games have gotten. I bet they wouldn't let their kids watch a gruesome horror film but games last for longer than a film and are interactive.

I think releasing it when we're supposed to be remembering those who have sacrificed so more for us is a tricky issue. I suppose if the story line is written well enough (in single player) you could invoke a better understanding of what war involves and it's affects. Do they donate anything from the profits to a charity for soldiers? That'd at least make it seem more respectable for using that release date.

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