Why did CoD change gun names?
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Call of Duty (CoD) changed gun names due to licensing reasons and to comply with firearm industry regulations, which prohibit the advertisement of firearms in a manner that appears attractive to minors. The switch to generic or fictitious names for guns in CoD games allows the developers to maintain the realism and authenticity of the game’s weaponry while avoiding potential legal and reputational issues associated with using real gun names.
Introduction to CoD Gun Name Changes
Background on Gun Name Changes
The decision to change gun names in CoD games was largely influenced by a 2013 court ruling involving Electronic Arts and the Medal of Honor series, which led to a shift away from licensing deals with gun manufacturers. This change primarily affects the naming of weapons, not their likeness, allowing CoD to continue featuring realistic weaponry without using actual brand names.
Impact on Game Development
The use of generic or fictitious names for guns has become a standard practice in the video game industry, especially for publishers like Activision Blizzard. This approach enables developers to create games that are both realistic and responsible, avoiding the promotion of specific firearms to minor audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General FAQs
- What is the TAQ-56 based on? – The TAQ-56 is inspired by the FN SCAR-L, a renowned assault rifle.
- Is the P890 a real gun? – The P890 is based on the SIG Sauer P220.
- What is Al Mazrah based on? – Al Mazrah in Warzone 2 shares similarities with Iraq, particularly the city of Baghdad.
- What is the M4 in real life? – The M4 carbine is a 5.56×45mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine developed in the United States.
- What is the MX9 based on? – The MX9 is equivalent to the Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS.
Gun-Specific FAQs
- Is the Lachmann 762 a real gun? – The Lachmann-762 is based on the G3 rifle, used by European combat personnel.
- What is the RM277? – The RM277 rifle utilizes “Short Recoil, Impulse Averaging” (SRIA) technology.
- What is the Kilo 141 based on? – The Kilo 141 is based on the HK 433 manufactured by Heckler & Koch.
- What is the Minigun’s real name? – The Minigun is officially designated as the M134.
- What is the MP5 SMG? – The MP5 is a submachine gun developed by Heckler & Koch.
Game and Location FAQs
- Is Warzone 2 set in Syria? – Warzone 2’s map, Al Mazrah, is fictionally named but based on locations like Syria.
- Does Modern Warfare 2 take place in Mexico? – Part of Modern Warfare 2 is set in a fictional region of Mexico called Las Almas.
- What replaced the M16? – The M16 has been largely replaced by the M4 carbine in frontline combat units, with the SIG MCX SPEAR selected as the next-generation squad weapon.
- Does the military use the AR-15? – The US military uses the M16, not the AR-15, with the term “mil-spec AR 15” referring to firearms modified to US military standards but not manufactured for military use.
- Why was the Valderas Museum map removed from MW2? – The map was likely removed due to player feedback regarding its size and design, which made it less suitable for 6v6 matches.