Why is Call of Duty 18 Plus?

Why is Call of Duty 18 Plus?

The Call of Duty (COD) series has always been known for its thrilling action-packed gameplay, heart-pumping plotlines, and intense violence. In fact, many of its titles have received an M for Mature rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) due to its graphic content. Among them, Call of Duty is particularly infamous for being labeled as PEGI 18, suitable only for those 18 and above. So, why is Call of Duty 18 Plus?

Factors Contributing to the High Rating

To understand the reason behind Call of Duty’s high rating, it’s essential to examine some of the key factors contributing to it.

• Graphic Violence: The Call of Duty series is infamous for its intense and sometimes graphic violence. Players will witness scenes of gore, mutilation, and depictions of harm towards other human beings.
• Mature Themes: COD’s storyline often explores mature themes such as war, violence, and death. These themes are not suitable for younger audiences and require a certain level of emotional maturity to handle.
• Strong Language: In addition to graphic violence, some titles in the series have strong language and profanity. This may not be suitable for all ages.
• Destructive Gameplay: Call of Duty is an action-packed shooter that allows players to cause significant destruction, which is another factor that contributes to its mature rating.

But What About the Options for Filtering Out Content?

Many gamers, especially younger players, might be hesitant to play COD due to its mature rating. Fear not, as game developers have included options for filtering out some of this content.

• Setting: Players can adjust their in-game settings to toggle off features such as profanity, blood, or gore. This allows gamers to experience the game with less mature content.
• Modes: COD games offer different modes, such as Multiplayer or Zombies. Players can opt for a more toned-down experience or one that focuses on objective-based gameplay rather than focused combat.

A Study on PEGI’s Guidelines

The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system rates games according to their content. A game is deemed suitable only for those 18 and above when it contains strong language, intense violence, and mature themes.

• Strong Language: Any game with the words "sh" and "fk" included is assigned an 18+ rating. However, if there’s only "mild profanity," it would fall under a 15+ rating.
• Intense Violence: PEGI’s guidelines deem games with gratuitous and repetitive violence, killing, and/or intense screen violence as not suitable for minors.
• Mature Themes: Topics like war, violence, death, or mature scenarios that might affect minors are also taken into account.

Real-Life Reflections from Players

When discussing Call of Duty and its mature rating, many gamers and parents share their reflections and experiences.

• From a parent: "My 14-year-old son has been interested in playing Call of Duty. However, after realizing it’s 18+ rated, we decided against it. Instead, he’s opted for other action-adventure games with fewer mature themes."
• From a gamer: "As a seasoned gamer, I was taken aback by the game’s realism and graphic content. Even with the settings adjusted to remove profanity and blood, the violence still hits home. It’s intense and mature gameplay, not suitable for anyone under 18."

In Conclusion

Call of Duty is an action-packed, intense game that doesn’t shy away from portraying realistic violence, strong language, and mature themes. The game’s 18+ rating is a clear reflection of its content and design. While there may be options for filtering out certain content, it is crucial to acknowledge the themes and ideas presented in the game.

As a community, we must safeguard and educate young players about the significance of ratings and the games we play. By sharing our experiences and insights, we can create awareness about the importance of mature gaming content and empower our children to make informed decisions about their gaming experiences.

For the love of gaming,

The author.