Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is set to release on October 25, 2024, worldwide, except in Kuwait. Authorities in Kuwait have blocked the launch of this popular first-person shooter game just days before its global debut.
While the Kuwaiti authorities haven’t given a specific reason for the ban, social media users speculate it may relate to the game’s setting during the 1990 Gulf War. Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait during this conflict, making it a sensitive subject in the region.
Activision, the developer of Black Ops 6, confirmed that the game will not be approved for release in Kuwait. They announced that all pre-orders in the country will be canceled, and refunds will be issued. Activision hopes that Kuwaiti authorities might reconsider their decision.
Black Ops 6 has been co-developed by Treyarch and Raven Software Corporation. This game is the 21st installment in the Call of Duty franchise, which debuted on October 29, 2003. The original game was set during World War II, allowing players to experience the war through the perspectives of British, American, and Soviet soldiers.
The upcoming game is set in 1991 and features rogue operatives Troy Marshall and Frank Woods. They face off against a secretive group known as Pantheon, which is infiltrating the CIA. The game will have a multiplayer mode with 16 new maps at launch and will include new mechanics like diving, sliding, and sprinting.
The teasers for Black Ops 6 feature 1990s news footage, urging players to “stop being sheep and become wolves.” Another teaser highlights several world leaders from that time, including Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, and Saddam Hussein.
The Gulf War, lasting nearly seven months, remains a delicate topic in Kuwait due to its historical impact. Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, leading to a harsh occupation. This event caused significant human rights violations, including civilian deaths and forced displacements.
Iraqi forces were expelled from Kuwait in 1991 after being defeated by a US-led coalition. The Call of Duty franchise has faced bans in other countries as well. Russia blocked Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, while China banned Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. In 2012, Pakistan banned Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for allegedly misrepresenting the country.
Many bans stem from political reasons, and some nations have also paused the release of first-person shooter games over concerns about violence.
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