The world “political” has been a buzzword in video games for some time now. While some praise games for exploring important issues, others believe that video games should be an apolitical medium, even if “political” sometimes means having women in the games or killing Nazis. Well, rest assured, Infinity Ward has assured gamers that the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will not be political, although it will touch on what they term “timeless questions.”
In an exclusive interview with Game Informer, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s campaign gameplay director, Jacob Minkoff, and studio narrative director, Taylor Kurosaki, explained why they do not think the new game is political. They assured fans that the game does not intentionally tell a political story, and does not introduce modern political commentary. They did admit that the topics of the game “bear a resemblance” to today’s politics. After all, the game deals with issues of colonialism, foreign occupation, and proxy wars, all of which are relevant in today’s geopolitical climate. However, Minkoff and Kurosaki say that these are universal themes that could apply to any time.
Despite the game’s inclusion of what could be considered political themes, Minkoff and Kurosaki defend the game as apolitical. They assert that the game does not include any themes that are specific to the current American presidential administration, saying that “Trump is not in the game.”
Whether anyone expected for Trump to appear in a Call of Duty game is anyone’s guess, but the message is clear. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will steer clear from commentary on what it considers current politics. Jacob Minkoff even clarifies that the only way he would consider a game he was making a political game would be if it was about current administrations and events, specifically. He also says that he would have to have a perspective on the events, while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare attempts to show all perspectives.
