Kuwait Bans Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Over Controversial Depictions

Kuwait has withdrawn approval for the popular video game Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which features the appearance of the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The Middle East nation has not officially acknowledged the effective banning of the game, which is a key offering from Microsoft-owned developer Activision and is set to be released on Friday.

Uncovering the Controversy: Kuwait's Rejection of Call of Duty's Depictions

Revisiting the Gulf War Era

The latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise, Black Ops 6, is set in part during the 1990s Gulf War and follows CIA operatives fighting in the US and the Middle East. The game's gameplay trailers depict burning oil fields, a stark reminder for Kuwaitis who witnessed Iraqi forces set fire to their fields, causing vast ecological and economic damage. Iraqi troops were said to have set ablaze over 700 oil wells during the conflict, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

Controversial Imagery and Symbols

Alongside the visual references to the Gulf War, the game also features images of the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and the country's old three-star flag. These depictions have understandably raised concerns among Kuwaiti authorities, who have now withdrawn approval for the game's release within their borders.

Multiplayer Battlegrounds and Geopolitical Tensions

The game's popular multiplayer section includes what appears to be a desert shootout in Kuwait, called "Scud" after the Soviet missiles Hussein fired during the war. Another map is called "Babylon," referencing the ancient Iraqi city. These in-game locations and references to the region's tumultuous history have further contributed to Kuwait's decision to ban the game.

Activision's Response and Hopes for Reconsideration

In a statement, Activision acknowledged that the game "has not been approved for release in Kuwait." The company added, "At this time, the title will not be available for release in [the] region. As a result, all pre-orders in Kuwait will be cancelled and refunded to the original point of purchase. We remain hopeful that local authorities will reconsider and allow players in Kuwait to enjoy this all-new experience in the Black Ops series."

A Contentious History of Call of Duty

The Call of Duty franchise, which began in 2003, is a first-person shooter game set across various conflicts in recent history. It has expanded into an empire worth billions of pounds but has faced past controversy as its gameplay entered the realm of geopolitics. Both China and Russia have previously banned certain chapters, and in 2009, the game allowed players to take part in a militant attack on a Russian airport, killing civilians.

The Ongoing Debate: Balancing Entertainment and Sensitivity

The decision by Kuwaiti authorities to ban Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 highlights the delicate balance between creative expression in the gaming industry and the need to respect the sensitivities of those affected by the events depicted. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, developers and publishers must navigate these complex issues with care, ensuring that their products do not inadvertently cause further harm or offense to those who have experienced the real-life consequences of war and conflict.