Activision to Delete Real Seoul Crush Footage from Call of Duty Amid Family Backlash

Key points

• Activision confirmed the removal of approximately 10 seconds of real footage from the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, which killed nearly 160 people, from the opening sequence of 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.'
• The footage, showing CPR and victims on stretchers, was used to illustrate the aftermath of a fictional North Korean attack on South Korea, though it did not explicitly reference the Itaewon disaster.
• The 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Association and civic groups demanded removal, stating the use of real tragedy for entertainment was 'senseless' and lacked empathy for victims.
• Activision apologized, stating the footage was intended to create a realistic experience and not to trivialize the disaster, with the update scheduled for November 12.
• The controversy coincided with the fourth anniversary of the Itaewon crush, where President Lee Jae Myung vowed to uncover the truth behind the authorities' failure to prevent the disaster.
• Despite the backlash, 'Modern Warfare 4' remained the top-selling game on Steam in both South Korea and the US, with IGN praising it as a return to form for the franchise.

Background

The 2022 Itaewon crowd crush in Seoul's nightlife district killed nearly 160 people during Halloween celebrations, leading to ongoing investigations and charges against officials. The 'Call of Duty' series has faced previous controversies, but this incident highlights tensions between using real-world tragedy for entertainment and the sensitivities of bereaved families. The game's fictional premise of a North Korean invasion also drew criticism from some South Korean lawmakers, though others defended it as a realistic depiction of geopolitical risks.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and The New York Times emphasized the use of real footage from the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, noting the outcry from bereaved families and the game's fictional North Korean invasion setting. BBC highlighted the families' demand for removal and Activision's apology, while The Korea Herald focused on the formal apology and the scheduled update. All sources agreed on the removal but differed in emphasis: NBC and NYT stressed the emotional impact on families, while BBC and The Korea Herald focused on the corporate response and the game's continued commercial success. Some South Korean lawmakers, as noted by NBC, argued the game should serve as a warning about preparedness, while others criticized it for trivializing the North Korean threat.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the ethical boundaries of using real-world tragedy in entertainment, particularly when it involves recent mass casualty events. It also highlights the ongoing sensitivities in South Korea regarding the Itaewon disaster and the broader geopolitical tensions between North and South Korea. The controversy may influence how game developers handle real-world footage in the future, especially in regions with recent traumatic events.

What to watch

Activision is scheduled to release a game update on November 12 to remove the controversial footage. The ongoing investigation into the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush continues, with President Lee Jae Myung vowing to uncover the truth. The game's commercial success and critical reception remain strong, but the incident may impact future marketing and development strategies for Activision in South Korea.