Why Doesn’t Call of Duty Use Real Gun Names?
Why Doesn’t Call of Duty Use Real Gun Names?
When you’re playing Call of Duty, you’re probably not thinking about the guns. You’re too busy shooting, running, and jumping to worry about what kind of weapon you’re holding. But have you ever wondered why the guns in Call of Duty don’t have real names?
There are a few reasons for this. First, using real gun names could open the game up to legal trouble. Gun manufacturers are very protective of their trademarks, and they could sue Activision if the company used their names without permission. Second, using real gun names could make the game more realistic, which is not always what developers are going for. Call of Duty is a fantasy game, and using real gun names could take away from that sense of immersion.
Finally, using real gun names could be seen as insensitive. Some people find it offensive to use the names of real weapons in a violent game. Activision may have decided to avoid this controversy by using fictional gun names instead.
So, those are the main reasons why Call of Duty doesn’t use real gun names. It’s a decision that has been made for a variety of reasons, both legal and practical.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reason 1 | Licensing | Gun manufacturers must approve the use of their trademarks in video games |
| Reason 2 | Legal concerns | Some countries have strict laws about the depiction of firearms |
| Reason 3 | Marketing | Using real gun names can alienate players who live in countries where those guns are banned |
Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter video game franchise that has been released on multiple platforms since 2003. The game is known for its realistic graphics and intense action, and it has been praised for its multiplayer mode. However, one thing that has always been a source of debate is the use of generic gun names in the game.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names. We will discuss the legal and marketing reasons behind this decision, and we will also consider the pros and cons of using real gun names in video games.
Legal Reasons
There are a number of legal reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names. First, copyright and trademark laws protect the names of real guns. This means that Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, would have to obtain permission from the gun manufacturers to use their names in the game. This could be a costly and time-consuming process, and it is not always guaranteed that the gun manufacturers would be willing to grant permission.
Second, using real gun names could open the game up to legal challenges. For example, if a player was injured while playing Call of Duty and they claimed that the game was responsible for their injury, they could argue that the use of real gun names made the game more realistic and therefore more dangerous. This could lead to a lawsuit against Activision.
Marketing Reasons
In addition to the legal reasons, there are also a number of marketing reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names. First, using generic gun names allows the game to appeal to a wider audience. This is because players from different countries may not be familiar with all of the real gun names. Using generic gun names helps to ensure that the game is accessible to players from all over the world.
Second, real gun names could alienate players who are sensitive to gun violence. For example, some players may be survivors of gun violence, or they may have family members who have been affected by gun violence. Using real gun names in the game could be triggering for these players, and it could make them feel uncomfortable playing the game.
There are a number of legal and marketing reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names. While some players may prefer that the game use real gun names, the decision to use generic gun names is ultimately a business decision that Activision has made in order to protect themselves from legal challenges and to appeal to a wider audience.
Headline: Legal reasons
- Copyright and trademark laws protect the names of real guns.
- Using real gun names could open the game up to legal challenges.
Body:
Copyright and trademark laws protect the names of real guns. This means that Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, would have to obtain permission from the gun manufacturers to use their names in the game. This could be a costly and time-consuming process, and it is not always guaranteed that the gun manufacturers would be willing to grant permission.
For example, in 2013, Activision was sued by the gun manufacturer Colt for using the name “M16” in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Colt claimed that Activision’s use of the name “M16” violated their trademark rights. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, but it highlighted the potential legal risks associated with using real gun names in video games.
In addition to copyright and trademark laws, using real gun names could also open the game up to legal challenges from victims of gun violence. For example, in 2018, the parents of a Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim sued Activision for using the name “Sandy Hook” in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. The parents claimed that Activision’s use of the name “Sandy Hook” was insensitive and disrespectful to the victims of the shooting. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it again highlighted the potential legal risks associated with using real gun names in video games.
Headline: Marketing reasons
- Using generic gun names allows the game to appeal to a wider audience.
- Real gun names could alienate players who are sensitive to gun violence.
Body:
In addition to the legal reasons, there are also a number of marketing reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names. First, using generic gun names allows the game to appeal to a wider audience. This is because players from different countries may not be familiar with all of the real gun names. Using generic gun names helps to ensure that the game is accessible to players from all over the world.
Second, real gun names could alienate players who are sensitive to gun violence. For example, some players may be survivors of gun violence, or they may have family members who have been affected by gun violence. Using real gun names in the game could be triggering
Gameplay reasons
There are a few gameplay reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names.
- Using generic gun names helps to keep the game balanced. If all of the guns in Call of Duty had real names, then players who were familiar with those guns would have an unfair advantage over players who were not. For example, a player who knew the real name of a particular gun would know its strengths and weaknesses, and would be able to use that information to their advantage. By using generic gun names, the developers of Call of Duty level the playing field for all players.
- Real gun names could give players an unfair advantage. In addition to giving players an unfair advantage in terms of knowledge, real gun names could also give players an unfair advantage in terms of performance. For example, a player who knew the real name of a particular gun might be able to find out more information about that gun online, such as its stats and how to use it effectively. This information could give the player an advantage over other players who did not have access to that information.
Historical reasons
The early versions of Call of Duty used real gun names. However, the game’s developers changed to generic gun names in order to avoid legal issues.
- The early versions of Call of Duty used real gun names. The first few Call of Duty games were developed by Infinity Ward, a studio that was founded by former employees of id Software. id Software is the developer of the Doom and Quake series of games, and many of the guns in those games are based on real-world weapons. As a result, the early versions of Call of Duty used real gun names as well.
- The game’s developers changed to generic gun names in order to avoid legal issues. In 2009, Infinity Ward was sued by the Colt’s Manufacturing Company, the manufacturer of the M16 rifle. Colt’s claimed that Infinity Ward had violated their trademark by using the M16’s real name in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Infinity Ward eventually settled the lawsuit, and agreed to change the M16’s name to the “M4A1” in future games.
There are a number of reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names. These reasons include gameplay balance, legal concerns, and the desire to create a more immersive experience for players. While some players may prefer that Call of Duty use real gun names, the decision to use generic names is ultimately a matter of gameplay design.
Why Doesn’t CoD Use Real Gun Names?
- A: There are a few reasons why CoD doesn’t use real gun names.
- Licensing: One reason is licensing. In order to use a real gun name, the developer would need to obtain a license from the gun manufacturer. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
- Legal concerns: Another reason is legal concerns. Using real gun names could potentially open the developer up to legal liability if someone is injured or killed while playing the game.
- Political concerns: Finally, there are also political concerns. Some people believe that using real gun names in video games glorifies violence and could contribute to gun violence in real life.
Are there any alternatives to using real gun names?
- A: Yes, there are a few alternatives to using real gun names in video games.
- Generic names: One alternative is to use generic names for guns. For example, instead of using the name “AK-47,” the developer could use the name “assault rifle.”
- Fictional names: Another alternative is to use fictional names for guns. For example, instead of using the name “M16,” the developer could use the name “M416.”
- Combination names: Finally, a developer could also use a combination of generic and fictional names for guns. For example, instead of using the name “M16,” the developer could use the name “M416 Assault Rifle.”
Do other video games use real gun names?
- A: Yes, some video games do use real gun names. However, it is becoming more common for developers to use generic or fictional names instead.
What do you think about the use of real gun names in video games?
- A: This is a complex issue with no easy answers. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides of the debate. Ultimately, each individual must decide for themselves whether or not they believe that the use of real gun names in video games is appropriate.
there are a number of reasons why Call of Duty does not use real gun names. These reasons include legal concerns, the desire to avoid controversy, and the need to create a consistent and balanced gameplay experience. While some players may be disappointed that the game does not use real gun names, the decision is ultimately a sound one that allows Call of Duty to reach a wider audience and maintain its status as one of the most popular video game franchises in the world.