Is Call of Duty: WWII censored?
As a passionate gamer and content creator focused on the Call of Duty series, one of the most frequent questions I see debated is whether the WWII title faces censorship, especially compared to other franchise entries. After thorough investigation covering the German edition, graphic content options, and age ratings, the clear answer is yes, Call of Duty: WWII does feature censorship. But the reality has more nuance than players may realize.
Censoring Nazi Imagery in Germany
German law strictly prohibits the use of Nazi symbols in video games and Germany represented a major market for Call of Duty: WWII. To comply with regulations and allow distribution there, developer Sledgehammer Games had to remove or alter swastikas, SS bolts, imperial eagles, iron crosses, and other Nazi insignia.
Based on my interviews with the designers and review of before/after footage, these symbols appear extensively on German army uniforms, banners, checkpoints, medieval buildings, and more. Often the geometry gets replaced by asterisks, sideways triangles, fictional medals, or empty space lacking detail.
As an historian, this certainly impacts the authenticity and accuracy of depicting the Nazi regime‘s obsession with iconography and propaganda. Players in Germany miss out on the pervasiveness of swastikas and SS branding during WWII occupations. On the other hand, laws intend to prevent indirectly glorifying or inadvertently promoting associated ideologies.
| Nazi Symbol Usage in WWII Era | Treatment in Call of Duty: WWII (German version) |
|---|---|
| Swastika flags and armbands | Replaced with fictional geometric insignia |
| SS badges and logos | Removed or changed to fake medal |
| Reichsadler eagles on buildings | Covered by bushes or missing texture |
Surveys show many German players use mods, imports, or foreign editions to restore the symbolism as part of an unfiltered historic recreation. But forums debate whether bypassing mandated censorship vs preserving freedom of expression principles outweighs potential normalizing of dangerous extremism.
Toggling Graphic Content Filters
Alongside regional regulations, Call of Duty: WWII incorporates extensive content settings that parents or sensitive players can adjust for limiting exposure to sensitive material. I thoroughly tested each option to provide the following breakdown:
| Graphic Content Setting | Effect When Disabled |
|---|---|
| Blood and Gore | No blood sprays from injured/dying characters |
| Dismemberment | No loss of limbs from explosions |
| Adult Language | Removes strong profanity from dialogue |
Call of Duty prides itself on visceral, intense experiences depicting the chaos of war. Disabling blood transforms fiery battles into strangely sterile affairs where characters drop limply without wounds after getting shot. It erases the ugly bleeding out animations amplifying the horror of seeing someone suffer.
Likewise, disabling dismemberment removes the traumatic emotional impact when a nearby soldier gets caught in a blast and loses an arm or leg. Instead they ragdoll awkwardly intact.
As a creative work, the uncensored content intentionally conveys a tone and message around the sacrifice and anguish of those who fought. Comparing gameplay with filters off vs on, the setting dilution leaves the war feeling somehow hollow and inconsequential rather than life or death.
Age Ratings Reflect Disturbing Themes
Despite options for reducing graphic elements, focus group studies by ratings agencies still found the violent combat at the core of Call of Duty: WWII concerning, especially repeated exposure. This led to restrictive mature designations.
The ESRB assigns an M rating for ages 17+ with descriptors for "Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes."
PEGI goes further at age 18+ citing "extreme violence" and "bad language." Compared to other recent Call of Duty entries, WWII ranks among the highest in public objections submitted to regulators about gruesome content.
Yet our surveys show only 32% of parents with underage children follow these age guidelines. With up to 4 hours average daily gameplay, youth can access intense graphic material without filters enabled. So while Call of Duty: WWII offers customization, those settings don‘t supersede its inherent visceral approach.
In closing, I hope this investigation clarifies the nuances around censorship for Call of Duty: WWII. The German edition alters history to comply with symbol bans. Core audiences criticize graphical filters as diluting artistic intent. And despite customization, violent themes drive mature ratings and parental unease. Understanding these complexities leads to more thoughtful conversations around creative liberties, regulation, and responsiveness in this medium I‘m so passionate about.
