Kuwait Prohibits the Launch of New 'Call of Duty' Game Featuring Saddam Hussein

Game Banned in Kuwait

Social media was filled with chatter following reports that the much-anticipated video game Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which is set to be released on Friday, will not be available in Kuwait. Confirmation of the ban came from the game's production studio, Activision, after rumors circulated that the Kuwaiti authorities had halted the game's release just days before its worldwide launch on October 25.

Activision's Statement

Activision confirmed, "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has not been approved for release in Kuwait. At this time, the title will not be available for release in [the] region." As a result, all preorders in Kuwait will be cancelled and refunded to the original point of purchase. The company expressed hope that local authorities might reconsider and allow players in Kuwait to enjoy the latest installment in the Black Ops series.

About the Game

Black Ops 6, the latest addition to the Call of Duty franchise, is set during the first Gulf War and focuses on a covert force infiltrating the CIA. The game's trailer begins with clips of former US President George W Bush declaring, "The Soviet Union is no more," followed by a mix of archival footage, digitally altered footage, and shots of historical figures including Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and Saddam Hussein.

Speculations on the Ban

While Kuwaiti authorities did not provide an official reason for the ban, social media users speculated that the game's setting during the war, which started with Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, was the likely cause. Attempts to reach Kuwaiti officials for comment were unsuccessful. As one social media user noted, it's fascinating to see how political sensitivities can impact entertainment.

Gamers' Reactions

Gamers speculated on the reasons for the launch delay. One Redditor suggested that the game might portray Saddam Hussein as a result of unchecked US support towards western-friendly dictatorships and the US's readiness to sell chemical precursors to Iraq's chemical weapons program during the Iran-Iraq war. Another gamer expressed curiosity about how the game's story would be told, questioning whether it would reflect reality or create a fictional narrative with the US as the world-saving heroes.

Analyst's View

A gaming analyst commented on the ban, stating, "The move to block this game may seem theatrical because people will find ways to buy this game if they really want it, whether via VPN or pay a premium price in the black market. What's more interesting here is the motivation of the authorities to block a game set in what was a traumatic period for Kuwait - the Gulf War." He added that Kuwait still struggles to engage with this specific moment in history.

The Gulf War's Impact

The Gulf War remains a sensitive topic in Kuwaiti history, with its effects still being felt today. Iraq, under then-president Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait with approximately 100,000 troops in an attempt to control its vast oil resources. The war lasted for 42 days, with a US-led coalition of 42 countries forcing Iraqi troops out of Kuwait and conducting an intense bombing campaign on Iraqi units in Iraq and Kuwait. It's estimated that two million landmines were placed in Kuwait during the war, and reports suggest that the country’s desert areas still contain landmines and unexploded ordnance, which continue to harm and kill civilians.

Previous Controversies

This is not the first time the Call of Duty franchise has faced controversy or bans in countries. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II included a mission targeting an Iranian military leader named "Ghorbrani", which was similar to the real-life assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, and drew criticism online. In 2021, Activision came under fire for a scene in Call of Duty: Vanguard's Zombies, where pages from the Quran, the Islamic holy book, were scattered on the floor. Many social media users called for a boycott of the game, labeling it Islamophobic. The US-based studio issued an apology and removed the content.

Bottom Line

The ban of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in Kuwait raises interesting questions about the intersection of politics, history, and entertainment. It's a reminder of how sensitive historical events can influence the reception of popular culture products. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the ban is justified or an overreaction? Share this article with your friends and let's get the conversation started. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.