Well, that didn't take long. Practically no sooner has the latest instalment in the multibillion dollar Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare 3 been announced, than the media start to get up in arms about the game. Only this time it's no "No Russian" - it's the fact the game features a level based in Olde London Towne.
Just two days ago, we were getting excited about the first trailer for the game, and how it showed London at war in the midst of World War Three, but it appears the Daily Mail don't see the intriguing side. According to them, it hits a bit close to home, when compared to the terrorist attacks a few years ago. No matter that this is an entirely fictional scenario, with Russians leading a full scale attack on the rest of the world - it's enough to rattle the cages of the Mail, who claim un-named "supporters of those affected are calling for the game to be banned", and media pressure group, MediaWatch UK, whose spokesman Vivienne Pattison said:
"I have concerns as these games are hyper-real and take place in a landscape we are familiar with. In light of the fact we have just had the 7/7 inquests, it is in incredibly poor taste."
We thought we'd choose a screenshot not set in London to avoid the Mail's wrath. At least, we hope it isn't. Could be the Thames, really.
Of course, we'd doubt the same people have any concerns over the numerous TV shows, films, and books which have shown London under various states of attack. From what we can ascertain from the trailer, Modern Warfare 3 will feature some sort of battle that pits special forces against a group of militant Russians, in and around famous London landmarks - much like in The World Is Not Enough, V for Vendetta, and numerous episodes of Doctor Who, and Spooks. London being used as a setting for a war is not an entirely original concept - it just happens to be one of the first games to be set there with a near-future, semi-realistic storyline. Of course, none of this will be bothering Activision, who're sure to be rubbing their hands together with glee at the thought of all the free mainstream publicity their getting.
Either way, we'll expect to see more of Modern Warfare 3 in a fortnight's time at the E3 gaming expo. We don't know about you, but we're still looking forward to it.
