World · Singapore Bureau
Activision apologises for using Itaewon crush footage in Call of Duty
The US video game publisher has pledged to remove footage from South Korea's deadly 2022 crowd disaster from its popular shooter title. The decision follows backlash over the sensitive use of real-world tragedy in gaming content.
LSN Singapore ·
Activision, the American gaming giant behind the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise, has apologised for incorporating footage from the Itaewon crowd crush into its video game. The publisher committed to removing the material entirely following criticism from players and observers who deemed the inclusion inappropriate.
The Itaewon incident, which occurred in Seoul in October 2022, resulted in the deaths of over 150 people during Halloween celebrations in the popular entertainment district. The tragedy ranked among South Korea's deadliest peacetime disasters in recent decades.
The use of real footage from the disaster in a commercial video game sparked significant controversy, with many viewing the decision as disrespectful to victims and their families. Activision's prompt acknowledgement of the sensitivity surrounding the matter and commitment to content removal represents an effort to address player concerns.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the gaming industry regarding the incorporation of real-world events and tragedies into interactive entertainment. Major publishers increasingly face scrutiny over editorial decisions that blend factual events with fictional narratives.
No further details regarding the timing or scope of the content removal were immediately provided by Activision.