Call of Duty, a franchise that has traversed various historical landscapes, has often found itself embroiled in the complexities of international relations through its narrative choices. Initially, during its World War II era, the game presented a straightforward antagonist in the form of Nazis, a portrayal that resonated with players and did not evoke the same sensitivities as contemporary conflicts.
Shifting Perspectives on Global Narratives
As the series evolved into more modern and futuristic settings, the portrayal of enemies became increasingly nuanced. Glen Schofield, a former director of the franchise, reflected on this transformation during the promotion of Modern Warfare 3. He recognized that the depiction of villains in games like Advanced Warfare was not merely a creative choice but a response to the broader implications of jingoism, colonialism, and American interventionism. These themes, often glossed over in mainstream action games, warranted a more critical examination.
Schofield’s insights were shaped by personal experiences, particularly during his time pursuing an MBA. One of his classmates, an Iraqi woman, shared her family’s harrowing escape from their war-torn homeland. Her uncle, who had been imprisoned under Saddam Hussein, faced a precarious fate. On Hussein’s birthday, a tradition allowed for the release of prisoners, albeit inconsistently. When offered the chance to flee for a life in a democratic society, the uncle expressed a profound ambivalence: “Democracy? I don’t need democracy. They show up and they do their thing, and then they leave, and we got a broken country. I got everything I want here. I got water, I got food, I got a car. Yeah, maybe the guy’s a little bit crazy and tough. But I got everything I need.”
This poignant narrative left a lasting impression on Schofield, inspiring him to incorporate these themes into the character of Jonathan Irons, the CEO antagonist in Advanced Warfare. He approached Eric Hirshberg, then president of Activision, to craft a speech that would encapsulate this complex worldview. Hirshberg, known for his eloquent writing, took Schofield’s ideas and transformed them into a powerful monologue that ultimately found its way into the game.
The evolution of Call of Duty reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where creators are increasingly aware of the narratives they present and the potential impact on players’ perceptions of global issues. As the franchise continues to adapt, it navigates the delicate balance between entertainment and the responsibility of storytelling in a world rife with conflict.
