Does Russia Have Call of Duty? An In-Depth Look
The short answer is: not really, not anymore. While Call of Duty has had a complicated relationship with Russia throughout its history, currently, the sale of the mainline Call of Duty titles and microtransactions are blocked in Russia. This wasn’t always the case, and the situation is multifaceted, involving geopolitical events, licensing issues, and in-game content. Let’s delve into the history and the present state of Call of Duty in Russia.
The Complicated History of Call of Duty and Russia
Call of Duty’s relationship with Russia is as complex as the game’s storylines themselves. From its early days depicting World War II, where Russia (then the Soviet Union) was an allied force, to its modern-day portrayals of Russian ultranationalists and global conflicts, the franchise has often engaged with Russian themes and characters. This engagement has not always been smooth.
The “No Russian” Controversy
Perhaps the most infamous example is the “No Russian” mission from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. This mission, where the player participates in a terrorist attack at a Moscow airport, is led by the antagonist Vladimir Makarov, who utters the chilling line “Remember, no Russian.” The mission’s graphic nature sparked considerable controversy worldwide and highlighted the franchise’s capacity to court controversy. Makarov ordered his group not to speak Russian so the attack could be blamed on the US.
Licensing and Ratings Issues
One of the primary reasons for the current block is that Russia does not have a formal ratings entity recognized by Activision. Activision has stated they decided to block the game after seeking legal counsel. Some reports suggested a recall or ban in the past when there was confusion in the Russian market regarding the purchase of games. This issue, coupled with the sensitive political climate, has made it challenging to distribute Call of Duty titles in the region.
Activision’s Stance
Since the conflict in Ukraine, Activision Blizzard has taken a firm stance. The company has halted all sales of their games, both physical and digital, as well as in-game microtransactions in Russia. This means Russians are unable to purchase new Call of Duty titles through official channels or make in-game purchases. This has significantly impacted the availability of the franchise in Russia.
Past Representation of Russia in Call of Duty
While the most notable representation is often controversial, Russia has often been depicted in various ways in the Call of Duty series. In Call of Duty: Black Ops III, the Common Defense Pact faction is located in Russia, presenting a different aspect of the country’s military forces. In Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, players visit Russia in various scenarios.
Availability on Other Platforms
Historically, PlayStation Store has stopped selling new Call of Duty titles in Russia even before the current bans. There was no official word on why, but it is likely tied to the ratings issues and the ongoing political situation in Russia. In the past Call of Duty was available on other platforms in Russia, but is no longer.
The Impact of Global Events
The current situation is primarily driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the resulting sanctions and business decisions by Western companies. Activision Blizzard’s decision to cease sales in Russia is part of a larger trend of companies limiting or ending business operations in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide more clarity, here are 15 frequently asked questions about Call of Duty and its relationship with Russia:
1. Can Russians Buy Call of Duty Games Now?
No. Activision has halted all sales of games in Russia, including both physical copies and digital downloads. Microtransactions are also blocked.
2. Why Did Russia Block Call of Duty?
Russia did not block Call of Duty. Activision blocked their sales and microtransactions in Russia after the country failed to align on a ratings system with Activision Blizzard and current political events in the region.
3. Is the “No Russian” Mission Banned in Russia?
While the “No Russian” mission was not officially banned in Russia, it generated substantial controversy. However, the main reason for the current situation is the lack of a formal rating entity and Activision’s decision to halt sales.
4. Why is “No Russian” Such a Controversial Mission?
The mission depicts a mass shooting at a Moscow airport, led by the antagonist Makarov, and forces the player to participate. The scene’s graphic nature and the potential for player involvement made it highly controversial. It sparked debate about video game content and its impact.
5. Was Call of Duty Ever Popular in Russia?
Yes, Call of Duty was a popular game in Russia. However, its popularity has been affected by the current restrictions and bans.
6. Does Call of Duty Feature Russian Characters?
Yes, Call of Duty games feature many Russian characters, both as allies and antagonists. Vladimir Makarov, a Russian ultranationalist, is one of the series’ most iconic villains. Yuri is a playable character who opposes Makarov and is considered a loyalist.
7. What is the Common Defense Pact in Call of Duty?
The Common Defense Pact is a fictional faction featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. This faction is located in Russia, showcasing the country’s military presence in the game’s narrative.
8. What is Makarov’s Infamous Quote in Call of Duty?
Makarov is famous for his line “Remember, no Russian,” which he utters at the beginning of the controversial “No Russian” mission in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
9. Why Did Makarov Say “No Russian” in Call of Duty?
Makarov said “Remember, no Russian,” to ensure that his team would not speak Russian during the attack so that it would appear that an American group committed the act, to create tension between Russia and the US.
10. What is the “No Russian” Mission About?
The “No Russian” mission sees the player participate in a terrorist attack on a Moscow airport alongside Makarov’s group, disguising themselves as terrorists to incite conflict and war.
11. What Country Invades the US in Modern Warfare 2?
In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Russian forces invade the United States following a false flag attack designed to look like a US attack.
12. What Other Countries Is Call of Duty Popular In?
Call of Duty is popular worldwide. According to PlayerCounter, it’s most popular in the United States, China, United Kingdom, Brazil, and Germany.
13. What is the Setting of the “All Ghillied Up” Mission in Call of Duty?
The “All Ghillied Up” mission in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is set in Pripyat, Ukraine, near Chernobyl, showcasing the setting fifteen years before the main events of the game.
14. Is Call of Duty Available in China?
While Call of Duty has a presence in China, the standard console and PC versions are not as prevalent. Call of Duty Online, a free-to-play version for China, was shut down, but Call of Duty Mobile is available.
15. Is Call of Duty Banned in Other Countries?
While Call of Duty is not banned in many countries, it has faced restrictions. It was once banned in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and is currently restricted in Russia and Cuba.
Conclusion
The availability of Call of Duty in Russia has been a rollercoaster. While it was once a popular game, the current situation makes purchasing the game and in-game microtransactions impossible in Russia. This is a result of several factors including licensing, the lack of a rating system, and the geopolitical situation between Russia and the rest of the world. The franchise’s history, especially its controversial depictions of Russia and Russian characters, adds another layer of complexity to the overall picture. As the gaming industry continues to navigate geopolitical complexities, the case of Call of Duty in Russia remains a prime example of how real-world events can directly impact the digital world.