Can You Turn Off Blood and Swearing in Call of Duty: WWII? A Parent’s Guide
Yes, you can turn off both blood and swearing in Call of Duty: WWII. The game offers a content filter option specifically designed to allow players (or parents) to tailor the game’s intensity to their preferences. This setting allows you to remove the most graphic elements, creating a less visceral experience. This article will delve into how to enable this feature, what it changes, and address other common concerns parents might have about the game’s content. This guide will also answer frequently asked questions about parental controls, censorship, and the game’s overall appropriateness for younger players.
Understanding Call of Duty: WWII’s Content
Call of Duty: WWII, despite being a historical depiction of a global conflict, can be quite intense. It features violence, strong language, and scenarios that might be disturbing for some viewers. The game includes depictions of combat with realistic weaponry, explosions, and sometimes, graphic injuries like dismemberment. The narrative also deals with mature themes related to war, loss, and the brutality of the Nazi regime.
However, the developers recognized the need to provide options for players who prefer a less graphic experience. This led to the inclusion of the content filter, a valuable tool for parents wanting to ensure their children aren’t exposed to content they deem inappropriate.
How to Disable Blood and Swearing in Call of Duty: WWII
The process for enabling the content filter is straightforward:
- Access the Options Menu: From the in-game menu, navigate to the Options section.
- Select Content Filter: Look for an option labeled “Content Filter“. It might be located within the “Graphics” or “Gameplay” settings, depending on the platform.
- Toggle Graphic Content to “Off”: Set the Graphic Content setting to “Off“. This will disable the blood, gore, and adult language in the game.
Once this setting is changed, the game will immediately reflect the new configuration. Blood splatters will be removed, dismemberment will be disabled, and the frequency of strong language will be significantly reduced. It’s worth noting that while this filter greatly diminishes the intensity, it doesn’t eliminate violence entirely. Players will still be engaging in combat, but the visuals will be less graphic.
Important Considerations
- Platform Variations: The exact location of the content filter within the menu system might vary slightly depending on the platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox). However, the overall process should remain similar.
- Game Updates: Game updates can sometimes reset settings. It’s a good idea to periodically check the content filter setting to ensure it’s still enabled, especially after a major update.
- Effectiveness: While the content filter significantly reduces graphic content, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Players will still be shooting enemies, and the overall theme of war will still be present.
- Online Interactions: The content filter does not apply to voice chat or text chat with other players online. Parents should utilize platform-level parental controls to manage their child’s interactions with strangers online.
Parental Controls Beyond the Game
While the in-game content filter is a helpful tool, it’s often not enough to completely safeguard children online. Both PlayStation and Xbox offer robust parental control features that allow parents to manage various aspects of their child’s gaming experience, including:
- Playtime Limits: Set daily or weekly limits on how long your child can play.
- Game Age Ratings: Restrict access to games based on their ESRB or PEGI ratings.
- Online Communication: Block or limit communication with other players.
- Spending Limits: Control how much money your child can spend on digital content.
These platform-level controls provide an added layer of security and allow parents to customize the gaming experience to suit their family’s values.
PS4 Parental Controls
- Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Family Management.
- Select the child’s account.
- Adjust the settings for playtime, game age ratings, online communication, and spending limits.
Xbox Parental Controls
- Sign in to your Microsoft account on your Xbox console or through the Xbox Family Settings app.
- Add your child’s account to your family group.
- Adjust the settings for playtime, content restrictions, online safety, and spending limits.
German Censorship in Call of Duty: WWII
It’s worth noting that some versions of Call of Duty: WWII were initially censored in Germany due to strict laws regarding the depiction of Nazi imagery. This meant that swastikas were replaced with the Iron Cross, and certain scenes were altered. While many of these changes have been reversed in later patches, it highlights the sensitive nature of the game’s subject matter and the varying regulations across different regions.
Call of Duty and Learning
While Call of Duty: WWII is primarily an entertainment product, it can spark interest in history and encourage players to learn more about World War II. It’s important for parents to engage in conversations with their children about the game, its historical context, and the realities of war.
Organizations like the Games Learning Society, also known as GamesLearningSociety.org, explore the educational potential of video games and provide resources for educators and parents. Games can serve as powerful tools for learning when used thoughtfully and in conjunction with other educational resources.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions related to content control, appropriateness, and censorship in Call of Duty: WWII:
1. Can you turn off blood and gore in Call of Duty: WWII?
Yes, the “Graphic Content” setting in the options menu allows you to disable blood and gore.
2. Does turning off graphic content also remove swearing?
Yes, the “Graphic Content” setting disables both blood/gore and adult language.
3. Is Call of Duty: WWII appropriate for an 11-year-old?
Generally, no. Call of Duty: WWII is rated M for Mature (17+) by the ESRB due to intense violence, blood, and strong language. However, parents can use the content filter to mitigate some of the graphic elements. The ultimate decision rests with the parent, considering the child’s maturity level.
4. Can you mute other players in Call of Duty: WWII?
Yes, you can mute other players in-game. On PS4, bring up the scoreboard and press Square to mute individual players. Similar options exist on other platforms.
5. Is Call of Duty: WWII censored in some countries?
Yes, initially, the German version of Call of Duty: WWII was censored to remove Nazi imagery.
6. How violent is Call of Duty: WWII?
Call of Duty: WWII features intense violence, including shooting, explosions, and, in the uncensored version, dismemberment and blood.
7. Is Nazi Zombies mode scary in Call of Duty: WWII?
Yes, the Nazi Zombies mode is designed to be scary and features horror elements.
8. Does Call of Duty: WWII have regenerating health?
No, unlike some other Call of Duty titles, Call of Duty: WWII does not have regenerating health. You must rely on med packs.
9. How long is the Call of Duty: WWII campaign?
The average playthrough of the Call of Duty: WWII campaign is around seven hours.
10. Is Call of Duty: WWII historically accurate?
While the game is set during World War II and includes real battles and military units, it takes creative liberties and is not entirely historically accurate.
11. What do parental controls do on COD?
Parental controls on consoles and PCs allow you to restrict access to certain games, limit playtime, manage online communication, and control spending.
12. How do I block someone on Call of Duty?
In the game, you can usually block players from the social menu or after a match. This prevents them from contacting you or joining your games.
13. How do I report someone on Call of Duty?
You can report players in-game through the social menu or after a match. The reporting system typically includes options for cheating, harassment, or inappropriate behavior.
14. What age is appropriate for Call of Duty?
The ESRB rating for Call of Duty is generally M for Mature (17+). While some parents may allow younger teenagers to play, it is essential to consider the game’s content and the child’s maturity level.
15. Can I limit in-game purchases on Call of Duty?
Yes, platform-level parental controls allow you to set spending limits on digital content, including in-game purchases.
Conclusion
While Call of Duty: WWII presents a mature and often graphic depiction of war, the inclusion of a content filter provides parents with options to tailor the game to their preferences. By disabling blood and swearing, and by utilizing platform-level parental controls, families can make informed decisions about the appropriateness of the game for their children. Remember to have open conversations about the game’s content, its historical context, and the realities of war to ensure a responsible and educational gaming experience.