Controversy sells games and gets attention. Modern Warfare 2 was released almost two years ago, and people still talk of the infamous “No Russian” level. DICE, however, has decided it is above such contention, and has stated it won’t court controversy with Battlefield 3.
“First of all: it’s fiction,” said executive producer Patrick Bach. “We’re not trying to base it on any political or religious conflict — controversy is probably a good marketing tool, but we make games. Our goal isn’t to make controversy.
“I don’t want people to feel bad playing our game. Our goal is to create a fun, entertaining experience. So we are trying to stay away from things that are real — authentic and real don’t have to be the same thing.”
Bach said that the Russian enemies in the game won’t be demonized, as you’ll simply be a soldier trying to do your job. Apparently picking sides would be “tasteless,” which is all well and good, but if there’s no reason for the conflict, all that death could come across as somewhat meaningless. I’ll be interested to see how DICE keeps this both tasteful and intriguing.
DICE on Battlefield 3’s new direction [Edge]
