Editorials On The Modern Warfare 2 Video

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been the center of controversy over the past few weeks. First there was the "no dedicated server" issue, then came a leaked video of controversial gameplay footage. The latest installment features a video we're sure you've heard about at this point. The "Fight Against Grenade Spam" video and its overall acronym has raised concern among members of the gaming community, so much so the video was actually pulled. While some viewers found humor in the message, others found it offensive. Regardless of what side of the fence you're on, we've compiled a few blogs written by our editors that have provided their personal opinions on the issue. The purpose of this is to facilitate discussion with readers on the topic. Read on to find out what our editors have to say and put in your two cents (respectfully, of course). The following are excerpts from the blogs that can be found in the Editor Blogs section under the Explore tab in the homepage, or just click on one of the links below.

My Thoughts On Infinity Ward's Grenade Spam PSA by Meagan VanBurkleo

"After hearing about the controversy early this morning, (I was out of the loop leveling up my Siren in Borderlands this weekend) my initial reaction was to shrug it off. Homophobia is nothing new within the video game community and is the reason I rarely venture into multiplayer matches without my microphone turned off. A video game company used a homophobic slur (A word our website automatically filters) in an intentionally juvenile and satirical viral video. Big deal. But the more I thought about it, the more I was saddened by my complacency. As I read comments around the web in response to the hubbub, I heard many unifying opinions. 'No big deal,' 'get over it,' and 'seriously, lighten up' was the common sentiment.  And I understand why. It is all too easy to write off the video as a joke. But it is a big deal, and something that should be addressed."

That Modern Warfare 2 Video And The Insanity Of Social Media by Phil Kollar

"Here's an important point of distinction I'd like to make: While I stated my distaste for the video very clearly, and I was happy to hear Bowling's response, I did not once ask for the video to be taken down. That was a decision Bowling and Infinity Ward made entirely on their own. I have no interest in censoring people or telling them what they can or cannot say. I just also don't plan to censor myself when I have a negative opinion of something someone has said."

Infinity Ward's Grenade Video by Tim Turi

"I'll be the first to admit that Infinity Ward's 'joke' was in poor taste. You can ask almost anyone I know -- there isn't a ton of stuff out there that offends me. This term, however, has always been up there on the top of my list of ignorant, belligerent words that I hate. However, I also believe that context goes a long way toward determining how traditionally offensive words are be received. I don't believe that the intention of the video was to offend anyone's sexual orientation, but given Infinity Ward's stature, it should have known better. When you're developing a game as high-profile as Modern Warfare 2, every action you perform is magnified."