Activision chose to remove MW2 airport level for Russia
Publisher denies game has been recalled; was advised to block terrorist level
Activision has confirmed the removal of the controversial airport scene from the Russian version of Modern Warfare 2, and said the move was its own decision.
"Other countries have formal ratings boards that we regularly work with. However, Russia does not have a formal ratings entity. As a result, we chose to block the scene after seeking the advice of local counsel," the company told Eurogamer in a statement. Modern Warfare 2 is currently only available on PC in the country.
Activision was moving to clear up reports that the game had been banned or censored by the Russian government. There are claims that the console versions of the game have been recalled from retailers so the airport scene can be removed.
"Reports that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been banned in Russia are erroneous. Activision only released a PC version of the game in Russia which went on sale on Tuesday, 10th November," the company said.
The scene in question, titled 'No Russian', depicts Russian ultranationalist terrorists massacring civilians in an airport with the player's help.