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

Key points

• Activision confirmed it will remove real footage of the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in an update scheduled for November 12.
• The footage, showing CPR efforts and body bags, was used in the game's opening scene to depict casualties from a fictional North Korean invasion of South Korea.
• Bereaved families and civic groups in South Korea condemned the move as 'senseless' and 'highly inappropriate,' citing ongoing trauma from the disaster that killed nearly 160 people.
• Activision stated the footage was used to establish a fictional narrative and not to trivialize the real-world tragedy, though it offered condolences and an apology.
• Despite the controversy, the game has received high critical scores and contributed to the franchise's record-breaking revenue, though some reports note lower concurrent player counts compared to previous launches.

Background

The 2022 Itaewon crowd crush in Seoul remains a significant national tragedy in South Korea, with ongoing investigations into accountability and safety measures. The recent controversy highlights sensitivities around using real-world disasters in entertainment media, particularly in regions where the events are still culturally and politically charged. This incident follows other recent controversies in the gaming industry regarding the use of real-world imagery or sensitive topics in fictional narratives.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and CBC report that Activision has apologized and confirmed the removal of the footage, while noting that bereaved families have not received a direct apology from the company. The New York Times emphasizes the use of real footage to depict a fictional invasion, highlighting the disconnect between the game's narrative and the real tragedy. CBC notes that the controversy has not significantly impacted the game's critical or financial success, with high scores and record revenue, while BBC and CBC both highlight the ongoing trauma and outrage from victims' families. All sources agree on the facts of the removal and the backlash but differ in emphasis on the commercial impact versus the ethical concerns.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the ethical boundaries of using real-world tragedies in entertainment media, particularly in contexts where the events are still culturally and politically sensitive. It highlights the tension between creative freedom and respect for victims, and the potential for public backlash to force changes in major media products. The controversy also reflects broader concerns about the use of real footage in video games and the responsibility of developers to avoid trivializing real-world suffering.

What to watch

Activision is scheduled to release an update on November 12 that will remove the controversial footage from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. The bereaved families' association has welcomed the decision but noted they have not received a direct apology from Activision. The game's commercial performance and critical reception are expected to remain strong, though the incident may influence future development practices and public perception of the franchise.