call of duty civil war

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28-10-2024

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Can We Talk About "Call of Duty: Civil War"? Why It's Not (and Shouldn't Be) a Thing

The "Call of Duty" franchise, known for its explosive action and diverse settings, has explored various historical conflicts, from World War II to modern warfare. However, a "Call of Duty: Civil War" game is something that has been discussed, but never materialized. Why?

The Ethical Concerns of a "Call of Duty: Civil War"

The American Civil War was a deeply divisive and tragic period in American history. It was a conflict fueled by slavery, states' rights, and political ideologies. The question of representing such a complex and sensitive topic in a video game, especially one known for its fast-paced action and violent gameplay, raises significant ethical concerns.

Would it be disrespectful to the victims and their families?

As author David Blight argues in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom," the Civil War "was the most cataclysmic event in American history, leaving behind more than 600,000 dead and a nation deeply divided." Representing this event in a game could be seen as trivializing the suffering and sacrifice of those involved.

Would it risk glorifying or romanticizing the war?

The "Call of Duty" franchise is known for its adrenaline-pumping gameplay and thrilling narratives, which could potentially downplay the brutal realities of the Civil War. This could lead to players engaging in violence with little understanding of the historical context and its devastating consequences.

The Practical Challenges of Developing a "Call of Duty: Civil War"

Even beyond ethical considerations, creating a "Call of Duty: Civil War" game presents practical challenges:

• Accuracy and Historical Representation: Depicting the Civil War accurately and respectfully, including the complexities of its motivations and outcomes, would require extensive research and careful consideration.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The typical "Call of Duty" gameplay, characterized by fast-paced action and advanced weaponry, might not be appropriate for a game set in the 19th century.
• Player Expectations: Players expect "Call of Duty" games to be action-packed and feature cutting-edge technology. Implementing that within a historical setting would be a significant challenge.

Alternative Ways to Explore the Civil War

Instead of a "Call of Duty: Civil War" game, there are alternative ways to engage with this historical period that avoid the ethical and practical issues mentioned above:

• Historical Simulations: Games like "Civil War Generals" or "Gettysburg!" offer a more strategic and nuanced approach to understanding the Civil War.
• Interactive Historical Experiences: Virtual reality or augmented reality could provide immersive experiences that explore the lives and experiences of individuals during the Civil War.
• Documentary Films and Educational Resources: These can offer a comprehensive and respectful representation of the historical context and complexities of the Civil War.

Conclusion

While the idea of a "Call of Duty: Civil War" game might seem appealing to some, the ethical and practical challenges surrounding it are significant. The Civil War is a complex and sensitive historical period that deserves to be treated with respect and understanding. Instead of attempting to recreate it in a video game, perhaps we should focus on exploring it through alternative mediums that can offer a more nuanced and meaningful representation of this pivotal moment in American history.

References

• Blight, D. (2018). Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Simon & Schuster.