Can You Do No Russian Without Killing Anyone? A Deep Dive into Modern Warfare 2’s Most Controversial Mission
Yes, absolutely. In the infamous “No Russian” mission from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, it is entirely possible to complete the level without firing a single shot and without killing any civilians. The game does not force you to participate in the massacre, and you can simply walk through the airport as the horrific events unfold around you. This option was intentionally included by the developers, allowing players to grapple with the ethical implications of witnessing such violence without being directly complicit.
Understanding “No Russian” and Its Impact
The “No Russian” mission remains one of the most talked-about and controversial moments in video game history. Its graphic depiction of a mass shooting at a civilian airport sparked widespread debate about the boundaries of interactive entertainment and the portrayal of violence in media.
The Context of the Mission
In the game’s narrative, you play as Joseph Allen, an undercover CIA agent embedded within a Russian ultranationalist group led by Vladimir Makarov. The mission’s objective is to infiltrate Makarov’s organization and gather intelligence. Makarov’s ultimate goal is to provoke a war between the United States and Russia, and the airport massacre is a false-flag operation designed to be blamed on the Americans, escalating tensions to a breaking point. He instructs the group to not speak Russian so that the attack will be blamed on Americans.
Ethical Considerations
The “No Russian” mission forces players to confront uncomfortable moral questions. By allowing players to choose whether or not to participate in the shooting, the game encourages reflection on the nature of complicity and the psychological impact of witnessing violence. The level’s power lies not just in its graphic content, but in its ability to provoke a strong emotional response and prompt players to consider their own role within the narrative.
FAQs About “No Russian”
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the “No Russian” mission, addressing various aspects of its gameplay, context, controversy, and impact.
1. How many people are killed in “No Russian”?
The total number of people killed during the Zakhaev International Airport massacre is estimated to be 243. This figure includes civilians and security personnel present at the airport.
2. Is there an achievement or trophy for completing “No Russian”?
No, there is no achievement or trophy specifically tied to completing the “No Russian” mission. Playing or skipping the stage does not affect your progress towards any in-game rewards.
3. Can you skip “No Russian”?
Yes, “No Russian” is an optional mission. Before starting the level, the game presents a warning message allowing players to skip the stage if they find its content disturbing or offensive.
4. Why can you skip “No Russian”?
The option to skip “No Russian” was included due to the level’s graphic and controversial content. The developers recognized that some players might be uncomfortable with the level’s portrayal of violence and wanted to provide a way to avoid it without penalizing their game progress.
5. Why does Makarov shoot you at the end of “No Russian”?
After the massacre, Makarov kills Joseph Allen (the player character) to ensure that the attack is attributed to the United States. By killing the undercover American agent, Makarov solidifies the false-flag operation and increases the likelihood of a war between Russia and the USA.
6. Was “No Russian” removed from any versions of the game?
Yes, the “No Russian” mission was removed entirely from the Russian version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 due to the country’s lack of a formal rating system for games. Other international versions of the game were subject to censorship as well.
7. What happens if you don’t shoot anyone in “No Russian”?
If you choose not to shoot anyone in “No Russian”, you can walk through the airport as Makarov and his team carry out the massacre. The game does not penalize you for this choice, and the mission progresses regardless of your actions.
8. How realistic is “No Russian”?
While the plot of “No Russian” may seem far-fetched, some argue that the attack itself is a realistic depiction of how terrorist attacks can target “soft targets” like airports. Some have even linked “No Russian” to real-world premeditated attacks.
9. Why is “No Russian” so famous?
“No Russian” gained notoriety due to its unprecedented level of graphic violence and its willingness to place the player in the role of a terrorist. The mission sparked intense debate about the ethical responsibilities of game developers and the potential impact of violent content on players. Released with much controversy in 2009, “No Russian” represents a watershed moment in popular video game development—a violent shooting mission that unapologetically cast the player as terrorist and compelled them murder innocent bystanders.
10. What inspired “No Russian”?
The airport setting for “No Russian” was inspired by air travel safety concerns following the September 11 attacks. The developers aimed to create a shocking and memorable moment that would underscore the game’s themes of terrorism and geopolitical conflict.
11. Will a version of “No Russian” be in MW3?
Given the significance of “No Russian” in establishing Makarov’s character and motives, it’s highly likely that a reimagined version of the mission will appear in Modern Warfare 3. The developers are expected to revisit key plot points from the original Modern Warfare series.
12. Why was “No Russian” not in MW2 (Remastered)?
While it was present, but optional. The inclusion of the “No Russian” level in the remastered version sparked debate, with some arguing it was necessary to maintain the integrity of the original story, while others felt it was too controversial.
13. What did Makarov say before “No Russian”?
Before the massacre begins, Makarov says “С нами Бог” which translates to “God is with us” in English. He then tells the group, “Remember… no Russian,” instructing them to speak only English during the attack to implicate the United States.
14. Who is the American in “No Russian”?
The American character in “No Russian” is Joseph Allen, an undercover CIA agent. He’s attempting to gain Makarov’s trust to gather intelligence on his operations.
15. Can you play “No Russian” in Russia?
No, the “No Russian” mission was removed from the Russian version of the game. This decision was made by Activision due to the lack of a formal game rating system in Russia and concerns about the level’s controversial content.
The Legacy of “No Russian”
“No Russian” continues to be a subject of discussion and analysis within the gaming community and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the power of video games to explore complex and sensitive topics, and the ethical responsibilities that come with creating interactive experiences that depict violence. This level is a potent example of how games can be more than just entertainment, prompting reflection on difficult subjects.
Understanding the impact of gaming on learning and behavior is a growing field of study. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games and their impact on society. The Games Learning Society fosters research and collaboration between educators, game developers, and researchers to better understand how games can be used to enhance learning and promote positive social change.
The “No Russian” mission’s legacy is not just about its shock value, but also about the conversations it sparked and continues to inspire about the role of violence in games and the responsibilities of creators. It underscores the importance of critical engagement with interactive media and the need to understand the complex relationship between games and society.