Scandalous mission “Not a word in Russian” by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is causing discussion even after 14 years. Ahead of the release of the new installment, IGN interviewed designer Mohammad Alavi, who came up with the task.
‘Not a Word in Russian’ tells the story of CIA agent Joseph Allen, who infiltrated the terrorist group of its main villain, ultranationalist Vladimir Makarov. The player, together with militants, commits a terrorist attack on a Russian airport, during which civilians are shot. At the beginning of the mission, Makarov demands that he will not use Russian to shift the blame to the American side.
The mission idea came from Steve Fukuda, one of the game’s four game designers. Initially, the events developed in a shopping center and Makarov’s people had to leave the armored personnel carrier. Later the scene was moved to the airport.
According to Mohammed Alavi, the first version of the mission was not so scary – immediately after the shooting, the game turned into a typical Call of Duty with cover shooting. The authors decided that this was not enough and deliberately made the mission so measured.
The mission caused controversy even in its testing phase. About half of the players did not shoot at civilians or shoot at the regiment. What Alavi remembers most is the reaction of a combat veteran who, when he saw civilians, immediately put down the gamepad and left the room.
I am often asked if I want to do something controversial. I had no such plans. I wanted to do something memorable.
Some Infinity Ward employees also opposed “No word in Russian.” Then the developers added a warning window and the ability to skip the task completely.
With the challenge, Alavi wanted players to at least briefly think about their actions and not pull the trigger. “I don’t care if they start shooting later, but if I make them stop even for a moment and ask themselves, ‘What am I doing?’ then I think I’ve accomplished something.”Alavi said.
An analogue of the mission “Not a word in Russian” should appear Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The shooter will be released on November 10.
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Source: VG Times