Why is There No Russian in Modern Warfare 2? The Controversy Explained

The infamous mission “No Russian” is missing from the Russian version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 due to its extreme graphic content depicting a mass shooting of civilians at a Moscow airport, which prompted Activision to remove the level entirely from the Russian version of the game.

The “No Russian” Mission: A Shock to the System

The “No Russian” mission, officially titled as the fourth campaign mission, thrusts players into the shoes of an undercover CIA operative, Joseph Allen, who is working with a Russian terrorist group led by Vladimir Makarov. The mission’s objective? Participate in a brutal massacre at Zakhaev International Airport in Moscow. The point of this attack was for Makarov to blame the Americans and spark an invasion by Russia of the United States. Players walk through the airport, gunning down hundreds of innocent civilians alongside Makarov and his team.

The mission’s disturbing nature stems from the realistic depiction of violence against unarmed individuals. Civilians scream, stumble, and leave trails of blood as they are gunned down. While players aren’t forced to participate – they can simply walk through the airport – the mere presence and implication of involvement were enough to generate massive controversy.

The Controversy and Censorship

The “No Russian” mission was intended to shock and provoke. It succeeded, perhaps even more than the developers anticipated. The uproar led to significant censorship in international versions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Many countries opted for censored versions, allowing players to skip the mission or removing the graphic content.

However, Russia took the most drastic step, removing the mission entirely from their version of the game. This decision was not necessarily a formal ban. Rather, Activision, after seeking legal advice from local counsel, opted to preemptively remove the mission because Russia lacked a formal ratings system at the time. Removing the level sidestepped potential legal issues and public backlash within the country. It wasn’t necessarily a formal ban, as news outlets misreported it, but an active choice to not have the level in the Russian version of the game.

Beyond the Graphics: The Narrative Impact

The “No Russian” mission wasn’t just about gratuitous violence. It was a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative, establishing Makarov as a ruthless and cunning antagonist. The mission’s outcome is the catalyst for the game’s central conflict: a Russian invasion of the United States sparked by the false flag operation.

Makarov’s motivations were strategic. By orchestrating the massacre and framing the Americans, he manipulated Russia into a state of war. This act of terrorism served as the foundation for the game’s intricate plot and set the stage for the events in Modern Warfare 3.

“No Russian” in the Broader Context

The “No Russian” mission remains one of the most talked-about and controversial moments in video game history. It sparked debates about the limits of violence in games, the ethics of player agency, and the responsibility of developers. The Games Learning Society has even discussed the ethical implications of such content in the context of gaming and education at GamesLearningSociety.org, highlighting the complex interplay between entertainment, learning, and morality. The debate still rages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about “No Russian” and its impact on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2:

1. What is the “No Russian” mission about?

   The “No Russian” mission in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 involves the player participating in a mass shooting at a Moscow airport as an undercover CIA operative working with a Russian terrorist group.

2. Why is the mission called “No Russian”?

   Makarov tells his team “No Russian” as a reminder not to speak Russian during the attack, so the massacre would be blamed on Americans, inciting conflict between Russia and the United States.

3. Was “No Russian” actually banned in Russia?

   Activision chose to block the scene after seeking the advice of local counsel. Some journalists erroneously reported Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 had been banned or recalled in Russia.

4. Can you skip the “No Russian” mission?

   In some versions of the game, players are given the option to skip the “No Russian” mission due to its controversial content.

5. Are you forced to kill civilians in “No Russian”?

   Players are not forced to kill civilians; they can walk through the airport as the massacre unfolds, though their presence still implies involvement.

6. Why was the mission so controversial?

   The mission’s realistic depiction of violence against unarmed civilians was considered disturbing and offensive by many, raising questions about the appropriateness of such content in a video game.

7. What role does Joseph Allen play in “No Russian”?

   Joseph Allen is an undercover CIA operative embedded with Makarov’s group. He participates in the massacre to maintain his cover but ultimately is betrayed by Makarov.

8. What is the significance of “No Russian” in the game’s plot?

   “No Russian” is the catalyst for the game’s central conflict: a Russian invasion of the United States triggered by the false flag operation.

9. Was the “No Russian” mission inspired by real-world events?

   The mission was inspired by air travel safety concerns following the September 11 attacks.

10. Has “No Russian” been linked to real premeditated attacks?

    “No Russian” has been linked to some real premeditated attacks. Rath felt that while the plot was absurd, the attack featured in the level was realistic.

11. Is “No Russian” in the remastered version of Modern Warfare 2?

    Yes, “No Russian” is included in the remastered version, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered.

12. How many people died in the “No Russian” massacre?

    Approximately 243 people were killed during the Zakhaev International Airport massacre.

13. How does Makarov betray Allen after “No Russian”?

    After the massacre, Makarov reveals Allen’s identity as an American to the Russian authorities, leading to Allen’s death and further fueling the conflict between Russia and the United States.

14. Was “No Russian” included in the new Modern Warfare 2 (2022)?

    No Russian will not be included in the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.

15. Is Makarov featured in other Modern Warfare games?

    Yes, Makarov is a key antagonist in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, and Modern Warfare 3.

The legacy of “No Russian” extends far beyond the game itself. It serves as a case study in the power of video games to evoke strong emotional reactions and spark meaningful conversations about violence, ethics, and the role of media in shaping perceptions.