Military Video Games as Interactive Spectacles of War: Representations of Modern Conflict in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

Abstract

This thesis examines the representations of modern conflict – including concepts of proxy warfare, private military companies, political insurgency, terrorist forces, the “fog of war,” and military rules of engagement—as depicted in the widely popular and influential video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. As part of this examination, I also consider the game’s portrayals of those who fight such conflicts, and how such portrayals often “flatten” and stereotype non-Western identities.

In discussing the foregoing concepts, the thesis analyzes the video game industry’s desire to design exciting, adrenaline-filled gameplay for players--while simultaneously attempting to create authentic military scenarios that lead players to reflect on the horrors of war. The thesis argues that the industry fails in this attempt at authenticity and reflection--and instead appropriates, glorifies, and commodifies these concepts of modern conflict for the sake of commercial gain.