Should a 13 Year Old Play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2?

As an avid gamer and content creator focusing on FPS games, I cannot recommend Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for those under 17 years old. With an M rating from the ESRB for blood and gore, intense violence, strong language and more – MW2 is intended for mature audiences.

The Call of Duty Franchise

Call of Duty (COD) revolutionized first-person shooters with its fast-paced, cinematic and intense gameplay. MW2 is a direct sequel to 2007‘s controversial Modern Warfare, expanding on the dramatic single-player campaign about the threat of global terrorism.

With a Metacritic score of 94, MW2 refines the franchise‘s iconic multiplayer mode – with customizable loadouts, new gameplay mechanics, and a variety of modes like Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.

What Led to MW2‘s Mature Rating

MW2 renders violence with unflinching realism. The ESRB‘s summary of content includes:

• Blood and gore: Dismemberment, decapitation, blood splatters
• Intense violence: Torture scene, mass shooting civilians
• Strong language: 161 uses of "f**k" recorded

One mission asks players to participate in a horrific terrorist attack by gunning down unarmed civilians in an airport terminal. This disturbing massacre scene continues to generate controversy.

Controversial "No Russian" mission (Credit: Activision)

Who Actually Plays COD Games?

Despite the M rating, Call of Duty attracts players under 18 as well.

(Statistics via Nielsen Games)

So 1 in 5 COD players are minors, which seems high given its mature content.

Violent Games Can Negatively Impact Teen Minds

Playing gory shooters may desensitize teens over time. There are also concerning correlations found between violent games and aggressive behavior in minors.

One meta-analysis reviewing 30+ studies found connections between violent gameplay and:

• Increased aggressive cognition
• Aggressive affect
• Aggressive behavior
• Decreased empathy

These impacts persisted in the aftermath of play as well. Children may have more difficulty than adults separating the visceral shooting seen in COD from real-world violence.

Benefits of Gaming in Moderation

However, experts agree gaming can have cognitive benefits when approached responsibly. Games like COD offer problem solving challenges, hand-eye coordination training, and social bonds – albeit in violent contexts.

Finding this balance comes down to mindful moderation for minors, not outright bans.

Guidance for Parents

For parents considering allowing their teen to play MW2, limit playtime and take advantage of built-in customizations like:

• Disabling blood and gore
• Muting in-game chat
• Enabling mature language filters

Also emphasize the real world harm of violence over entertainment value. Share perspective on why certain scenes may be upsetting or concerning. Maintaining open, judgement-free communication allows teens to process challenging content with support, should they come across it.

Alternative FPS Recommendations for Teen Gamers

Rather than MW2, here are some first-person shooters better suited for 13 year olds:

• Splatoon 3 (Rated E10+)
• Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville (Rated E10+)
• Overwatch (Rated T)
• Fortnite (Rated T)

These maintain the fun shooter gameplay without graphic content exposure. Ultimately every child matures differently, but parents should thoughtfully assess if their teen can responsibly handle games designed explicitly for adult audiences. Saying "no" comes from a place of protection, not punishment.