Kuwait Withdraws Approval for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Over Depiction of Saddam Hussein

Kuwait has retracted its approval for the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 video game, which features Saddam Hussein and elements related to the Gulf War. The game’s portrayal has led to its effective ban in the country, resulting in cancelled pre-orders and refunds for players. Activision hopes for a reconsideration from Kuwait’s authorities regarding the game’s release.

Kuwait has officially withdrawn its approval for the release of the latest installment in the Call of Duty series, Black Ops 6, due to its portrayal of the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. This decision emerges as the game is set to be launched shortly, with its narrative heavily rooted in the Gulf War of the 1990s, where players engage in combat involving CIA operatives in both the United States and the Middle East. Game trailers feature striking imagery, such as burning oil fields reminiscent of the devastation caused by Iraqi forces setting fire to Kuwaiti oil wells. This action inflicted significant ecological and economic turmoil upon the nation. Activision, the developer of the game and a subsidiary of Microsoft, acknowledged in a statement the absence of approved age ratings necessary for distribution in Kuwait. The gameplay notably includes a multiplayer segment showcasing a desert confrontation titled ‘Scud,’ named after the Soviet-era missiles utilized by Hussein during the war, as well as a map called ‘Babylon,’ after the ancient city. Activision expressed its disappointment, announcing that all pre-orders from Kuwait would be cancelled and funds refunded, while maintaining a hope for local authorities to reconsider and permit the release of this installment for Kuwaiti players. Since its inception in 2003, the Call of Duty series has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar franchise, albeit not without facing geopolitical controversies in previous releases.

The Call of Duty franchise has cultivated a reputation for intertwining gameplay with real-life historical and military conflicts. It has often faced scrutiny and contention regarding its representation of sensitive political scenarios. The latest series installment, Black Ops 6, delves into the intricacies of the Gulf War, involving significant historical figures and events that have shaped modern-day perceptions of the region. Given the sensitive nature of the Gulf War, particularly for countries like Kuwait that experienced direct conflict with Iraq, the game’s content has brought to the forefront discussions regarding its cultural and ethical representation, prompting Kuwait’s withdrawal of approval.

In summary, Kuwait’s withdrawal of approval for the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 underscores the delicate balance between entertainment and historical representation. The game’s depiction of Saddam Hussein and traumatic events from the Gulf War has sparked contention, leading to a cancellation of pre-orders and refunds. Activision’s hope for a reconsideration from local authorities reflects the intricate relationship between popular culture and international sensitivities. As the franchise continues to push boundaries, it remains to be seen how similar controversies will be navigated in the future.

Original Source: news.sky.com