Table of Contents

Is Call of Duty WWII Violent? A Detailed Look for Parents and Players

Yes, Call of Duty: WWII is a violent game. It depicts the horrors of World War II, and this depiction includes realistic gunfire, explosions, and scenes of combat. While the level of violence might be toned down compared to some other titles, it still contains blood, gore, and intense moments that some players, particularly younger ones, might find disturbing. However, the game also offers options to mitigate some of the graphic content. Let’s delve deeper into the specific elements contributing to the game’s violence and how these can be managed.

Understanding the Violence in Call of Duty: WWII

Call of Duty: WWII, developed by Sledgehammer Games, aims to portray a gritty and immersive experience of the Second World War. This means faithfully depicting the environment, including the grim realities faced by soldiers on the battlefield.

Realistic Combat: The game features intense firefights that accurately represent the chaos and brutality of war. Players engage in close-quarters combat, use various firearms and explosives, and witness the immediate consequences of their actions.
Blood and Gore: While not excessive compared to some other games, Call of Duty: WWII does contain blood splatters, visible wounds, and occasional dismemberment, particularly in certain scripted sequences. The “D-Day” landing at Normandy, in particular, is known for its graphic depiction of the battle.
Historical Accuracy: The game attempts to accurately portray the environments and atrocities of WWII. This may involve depictions of suffering, death, and wartime hardships.
Nazi Zombies Mode: This additional game mode introduces a horror element, featuring undead enemies, grotesque imagery, and intense scenarios that could be disturbing for sensitive individuals.

Options for Managing the Violence

Call of Duty: WWII offers some degree of customization to manage the levels of violence seen in the game, including the ability to turn off some of the more graphic effects.

Graphic Content Filter: The game features a Graphic Content filter that can be toggled on or off. Enabling this filter removes blood, gore, and some adult language. This can be a useful tool for parents looking to moderate the game’s intensity for younger players.
PC Graphics Settings: On the PC version of Call of Duty: WWII, players can access more granular graphics settings, including the option to specifically toggle blood off. This option isn’t available on console platforms like Xbox and PlayStation.
Parental Controls: Console systems offer parental control settings that allow parents to restrict access to certain content and control communication features. This could include limiting voice chat with other players or setting age restrictions for the game.

Age Appropriateness and Parental Guidance

The ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) has rated Call of Duty: WWII as M for Mature (17+). This rating is due to the game’s blood, drug reference, intense violence, and strong language.

It’s crucial for parents to consider these elements when determining whether the game is appropriate for their children. Factors to consider include:

Child’s Maturity Level: Can the child understand the historical context of the game? Are they able to distinguish between fantasy violence and real-world events?
Sensitivity to Violence: Does the child become anxious or disturbed by violent imagery?
Parental Involvement: Are parents willing to actively monitor the child’s gameplay and discuss the game’s content with them?

It’s important to remember that a rating is only a guideline. Parents know their children best and should make informed decisions based on their individual needs and circumstances. It’s recommended to watch gameplay videos before deciding if the game is suitable for your child.

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the educational and social impacts of games. While Call of Duty: WWII isn’t necessarily designed for education, it can prompt conversations about history, conflict, and the realities of war, if approached responsibly. It’s valuable to explore games’ impact on society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you completely eliminate all violence in Call of Duty: WWII?

No, even with the Graphic Content filter enabled, the game will still feature gunfire, explosions, and combat scenarios. The filter primarily removes blood, gore, and strong language.

2. Does the Graphic Content filter affect gameplay?

No, the filter only affects the visual and auditory presentation of the game. It does not alter the core gameplay mechanics or difficulty.

3. Is the Nazi Zombies mode more violent than the main campaign?

Yes, the Nazi Zombies mode features a higher degree of gore, grotesque imagery, and intense horror elements than the main campaign.

4. Are there any historical inaccuracies in the game that parents should be aware of?

While the game strives for historical accuracy, it’s still a work of fiction. Some events may be dramatized or altered for narrative purposes. Parents might want to discuss these differences with their children.

5. Can other players affect the level of violence I see in the game?

No, the Graphic Content filter is a personal setting that only affects your own gameplay experience.

6. Is Call of Duty: WWII suitable for younger teens (13-16) with parental supervision?

This depends on the individual child’s maturity and sensitivity. If parents are willing to monitor gameplay, discuss the content, and utilize the Graphic Content filter, it might be suitable. It’s best to watch gameplay videos and have open conversations with your child.

7. Does the game contain any sexual content?

The single article mentions “brief visual and textual sexual references and mild examples of sexualised imagery in a sequence set in a red-light district” though not sexually explicit.

8. How does Call of Duty: WWII compare to other Call of Duty games in terms of violence?

Call of Duty: WWII is generally considered to be less graphically violent than some other titles in the series, particularly Call of Duty: World at War, which is known for its extreme gore.

9. Where can I find more information about the ESRB rating system?

The ESRB website provides detailed information about their rating system, including definitions of the various content descriptors.

10. Does the game promote or glorify war?

The game attempts to depict the brutality and horrors of war, but it does not explicitly glorify it. However, players should be aware that the game’s core mechanic involves engaging in combat.

11. Can I turn off the voice chat to avoid exposure to offensive language?

Yes, console systems and the PC version allow you to disable or restrict voice chat features, which can help mitigate exposure to potentially offensive language from other players.

12. Does Call of Duty: WWII include any depictions of drug use?

The single article references “Blood, drug reference, intense violence, language”. However, the extent and graphic nature of the drug references is not clear.

13. How long does it take to complete the single-player campaign in Call of Duty: WWII?

The single-player campaign typically takes around 7-10 hours to complete, depending on the player’s skill level and play style.

14. Does Call of Duty: WWII offer any educational value?

The game can provide a historical context for World War II, but it’s essential to supplement this with additional resources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events.

15. Is Call of Duty: WWII the worst game in the series?

No, the single article notes that Call of Duty: Ghosts is considered to be the worst game in the series. Call of Duty: WWII received mixed reviews, but it was generally considered a decent addition to the franchise.

Conclusion

Call of Duty: WWII presents a violent depiction of a historical war, and while certain mitigating options exist, parents should consider carefully whether its content is suitable for their children. Open communication, active monitoring, and awareness of available settings are key factors in ensuring a positive and safe gaming experience.

Is Call of Duty ww2 violent?