Why Modern Warfare 3's No Russian Mission Redefined Controversy and Shocked Gamers Worldwide

Highlights

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 could potentially feature a controversial "No Russian" mission, similar to the infamous mission in Modern Warfare 2.

The revamped version of "No Russian" may involve hijacking a commercial airplane, potentially referencing the post-credits scene from the previous game. This could draw parallels to the tragic events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Activision might choose to approach this mission cautiously, possibly showcasing it through a cutscene instead of allowing players to actively engage in it. However, a portion of the attack will likely be portrayed on-screen, which has the potential to generate strong public backlash.

With the imminent arrival of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, fans are gaining a clearer understanding of what to expect from the game's campaign. Speculation is swirling about whether or not the game will feature a mission similar to the infamous "No Russian" mission in Modern Warfare 2. The introduction of Vladimir Makarov in MW3 only adds to the possibility, and if it does occur, it could potentially generate even more controversy than the original mission.

The Infamy of Modern Warfare 2’s No Russian

The original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is renowned for its iconic and unforgettable campaign. Both its compelling characters and daring narrative direction contribute to its lasting impact. One mission in particular, known as "No Russian," stands out as the most controversial in Call of Duty's history. This mission led to widespread censorship and removal in numerous countries due to its depiction of a terrorist mass shooting at a Russian airport. Notably, "No Russian" marked a significant turning point for the franchise, pushing boundaries and delving into darker and more visceral themes than its typical portrayal of traditional warfare. This mission effectively sparked the beginning of World War 3 in the narrative of the Modern Warfare trilogy.

Why a Modern Warfare 3 No Russian Could Be More Controversial

In spite of the strong negative reaction towards the mission titled "No Russian," its impact cannot be denied in ensuring the everlasting presence of Modern Warfare 2’s campaign in any conversation about Call of Duty. Moreover, it has succeeded in establishing Makarov as one of the most iconic antagonists across the entire franchise. Considering the recent Modern Warfare reboot's approach in incorporating familiar characters and plot elements while infusing its distinct twist, it is possible that Modern Warfare 3 could introduce its own controversial mission akin to "No Russian," potentially generating even more public uproar.

Given the iconic status of "No Russian" and its significance in Makarov's journey in Modern Warfare, it is highly likely that fans will witness a rendition of this pivotal moment in the upcoming Modern Warfare 3. However, in order to avoid criticism for recycling a controversial mission solely for shock value, Activision might opt for a fresh take on the mission. Nevertheless, it is possible that a version of No Russian will be incorporated into the game.

The Modern Warfare reboot already has a darker theme compared to its source material. The increased realism in Call of Duty games leads to more intense and realistic campaign experiences. Considering this, including "No Russian" wouldn't feel out of place. In Modern Warfare 2, there is a post-credit scene showing men on a passenger plane assembling weapons and receiving instructions from a contact named "M", with a warning not to speak their native language.

This suggests that in Modern Warfare 3, the "No Russian" mission would involve hijacking a plane rather than targeting an airport. It is evident why this could be more controversial than the original mission, as it bears clear resemblance to real-life events such as the 9/11 attacks. While video games are now seen as an art form in society, a hijacking sequence would undoubtedly spark significant discussion due to its obvious similarities to the tragic events of 9/11.

The potential controversy surrounding MW3's "No Russian" level, where players control a passenger plane and potentially cause a catastrophic attack, could surpass that of its predecessor. Some may interpret this as glorifying the worst terrorist attack in American history. Considering this, it is unlikely that players will actively participate in No Russian this time. It may be shown only in a cutscene, with most of the terrorism happening off-screen and handled tastefully. However, the gameplay trailer for Modern Warfare 3 reveals a cutscene depicting part of No Russian, indicating that some part of the attack will be shown on-screen. Depending on the similarity to a real-life attack and the level of player control, No Russian 2.0 has the potential to be even more divisive than the original.

Modern Warfare 3 will be released on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.