Activision stated on October 28 that it used real news footage in the opening cinematic of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (hereafter Modern Warfare 4). Addressing concerns that footage from the October 29, 2022 Itaewon crowd crush was included in the scene, the publisher explained that it had no intention of referencing or making light of a real tragedy.
The scene in question is a fictional news cutscene appearing in the opening cinematic of the Modern Warfare 4 campaign, which released on October 23. Included in this cutscene was approximately 3 seconds of footage showing paramedics performing CPR during the Itaewon crowd crush.
Activision explained, "Throughout the development process, we handled the game's subject matter with care," adding, "Some real news broadcast clips in the opening cinematic were used as elements to convey the fictional narrative of the title." The company further clarified, "We emphasize that there was absolutely no intention to reference or make light of any real tragic event, including the Itaewon crowd crush."
The Korea Game Consumers Association demanded that the video clip be replaced. Lee Chul-woo, Chairman of the Korea Game Consumers Association, stated, "There must be a clear explanation of the circumstances and an apology regarding the fact that footage of a tragic disaster, unrelated to the context of gameplay, was used, causing harm to the bereaved families and others." He added, "We hope Activision Blizzard responds responsibly by listening to those affected and issuing an update to replace the video."
The association requested that Activision voluntarily take corrective action by removing or replacing the video and communicating with the victims and bereaved families.
