Was “No Russian” a Real Event? Exploring the Controversial Mission in Call of Duty
The short answer is no, the “No Russian” mission from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is not based on a real event. While the mission is deeply disturbing and unsettling, it is a fictional scenario created for the game. However, its impact and the questions it raised about violence in video games are very real, as is the inspiration it drew from real-world acts of terrorism.
The Genesis of “No Russian”
The “No Russian” mission thrusts players into the role of an undercover CIA agent embedded with a group of Russian Ultranationalists led by the infamous Vladimir Makarov. The mission sees the player participating in a brutal mass shooting at a civilian airport, where the objective is simply to follow the orders of the Ultranationalists. The mission’s name, “No Russian,” refers to Makarov’s command to his group not to speak Russian during the attack, aiming to frame the event as an American attack and further escalate tensions between Russia and the United States.
The creator of the mission, Mohammad Alavi, has stated that his intention was to make the player feel an emotional connection to Makarov, to demonstrate why Russia might attack the US, and to do so in a memorable way. Alavi and his team drew inspiration from news articles and films depicting real-world violence. However, the airport shooting itself is a work of fiction. It was designed to be shocking and provocative to emphasize the brutal nature of war and terrorism. There were no real-life counterparts to the events that transpired in the mission.
Why the Controversy?
The mission is notorious for its extreme violence, forcing players to witness and participate in the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians. This graphic content sparked outrage and controversy, even among the game’s developers. Many felt that it was insensitive to real-world tragedies, given the growing frequency of mass shootings. The realistic nature of the airport attack combined with the player’s involvement created a uniquely disturbing experience for many gamers.
Furthermore, the mission was considered too graphic and controversial by some international rating boards. The level was removed entirely from the Russian version of the game due to the country’s lack of formal rating system for video games. Other regions censored the mission in some way, highlighting how polarizing it was. This also shows the ethical tightrope that developers have to walk between engaging gameplay and avoiding gratuitous violence.
The Lasting Impact
Despite not being based on any actual event, “No Russian” has had a significant impact on the gaming industry and popular culture. It spurred debates about the nature of violence in video games, the ethics of allowing players to perform morally reprehensible acts, and how to tell mature stories in an interactive format. It forced developers to confront the real implications of simulating extreme violence in a game, demonstrating the power of video games to provoke strong emotions and spark important conversations.
Although “No Russian” was not a real event, its effects and legacy on the gaming landscape remain tangible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were Mohammad Alavi’s goals in creating “No Russian”?
Alavi had three primary goals: to explain why Russia might attack the U.S., to create an emotional connection between the player and the villain Makarov, and to make the mission both memorable and engaging.
What is the basic plot of the “No Russian” mission?
The player, as an undercover CIA agent, participates in a mass shooting at a Russian airport, carried out by Ultranationalist terrorists led by Makarov.
Why was “No Russian” so controversial?
The mission’s controversy stemmed from its extreme violence, the player’s forced participation in the massacre, and its parallels to real-world mass shootings.
Was “No Russian” based on a specific real-world terrorist attack?
No, the “No Russian” mission is not based on any specific real-world terrorist attack, although it was inspired by news articles and films that depicted real violence.
What happened to “No Russian” in Russia?
The “No Russian” level was removed entirely from the Russian version of the game due to the country’s lack of a formal game rating system.
How many people were killed in the “No Russian” mission?
A total of 243 people were killed during the fictional Zakhaev International Airport massacre.
Did the controversy affect the developers at Infinity Ward?
Yes, the “No Russian” mission was controversial even among the developers at Infinity Ward, showcasing differing viewpoints on its content.
Why did Makarov order his team to speak with American accents?
Makarov ordered his team to use American accents to frame the United States for the massacre, escalating tensions between the two countries.
How is the game’s story related to real events?
The Modern Warfare series is inspired by real events and conflicts, like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iraq War, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War, but it remains fictional.
Why did Captain Price set off the EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse)?
Price launched the EMP to disable Russian military equipment, giving the American forces an advantage. It was a desperate move to repel a large-scale invasion.
Why did General Shepherd betray Task Force 141?
Shepherd betrayed 141 to claim credit for killing Makarov and restoring his reputation, seeking to become a war hero after the nuke in CoD4 ruined his chances.
How did Soap find out that Yuri knew Makarov?
Soap discovered Yuri’s connection to Makarov when Makarov said, “Yuri, my friend. You never should have come here,” indicating prior knowledge of Yuri.
Why did Makarov hate Captain Price and Soap?
Makarov hated Price and Soap because he held them responsible for the death of Imran Zakhaev, based on evidence found in his safehouse.
Why is Ghost always wearing a mask?
Ghost wears a mask to protect his identity and to remain anonymous during his operations.
How did Soap kill Shepherd?
Soap killed Shepherd by throwing a knife into his left eye, avenging the deaths of Ghost, Roach and others, effectively putting an end to Shepherd’s betrayal.