With its release,Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remasteredhas injected fans with a nostalgia for its classic gameplay. However, the fact thatthe fan-favorite multiplayer will not be remasteredis not currently the most contentious issue. According to Activision,Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remasteredwill not be released for the PlayStation in Russia.
While the publisher did not give an explicit reason for this decision, it is more than likely because of the No Russian mission, which centered around a mass shooting perpetrated by Russian terrorists and the player. The content subsequently caused a massive debate, garnered widespread criticism, and originally led to a disclaimer and an option to skip the mission being added. Fans were surprised to see thattheModern Warfare 2remaster was keeping it in the campaignwithout any changes.
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According to a tweet by the officialCall of DutyRussia account, Sony Interactive Entertainment Russia refused to sell the game on the PlayStation Store. However, Activision did reassure players thatCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s remastered campaign would still be available for Xbox One and PC in Russia.
While the variety of responses lined up withother trending Twitter replies,noting that the decision was understandable due to the mission’s divisive nature, Russian fans in the replies actually criticized Sony’s rejection of the game and stated that they would likely purchase the game on one of the alternative platforms. The negative reaction might also be due to the game’s current timed exclusivity for the PlayStation, which might force Russian fans to wait even longer to get their hands on the game.
Some might argue that the remaster was right to keep the mission to maintain the edge and grit inModern Warfare 2’s original campaign, and accuse Sony Interactive Entertainment Russia of unjust censorship. However, the mission’s objectives and gameplay verges on gratuitous. While artistic integrity is important, the violence and disturbing nature of the No Russian mission makes Sony’s final rejection understandable. Despite the understandable disappointment Russian fans might feel, they won’t have to wait long forthe timed exclusivity to end.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remasteredis out now for PS4, with a PC and Xbox One version launching on April 30.
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