Activision has stated that the intro cinematic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is “not intended to reference or trivialise” the real-world South Korean crowd crush, according to Rock Paper Shotgun. This response comes after backlash in South Korea regarding the game’s opening scenes.
The issue stems from the Itaewon Disaster, the tragic crowd crush in Seoul on October 29, 2022, which claimed 159 lives. Reports about the backlash emerged on October 29, 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of the tragedy.
Eurogamer reports that real footage of the Itaewon Disaster appears in the game’s opening. The report highlights that Activision is facing criticism for including such material, mentioning the involvement of the bereaved families association in the backlash.
Activision’s statement focuses on their intent rather than addressing the footage itself. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, the publisher insists the cinematic wasn’t meant to reference or make light of the disaster. The available excerpts don’t clarify whether Activision has confirmed or denied the use of real footage in that sequence.
This controversy comes at a delicate time for the franchise. The Hollywood Reporter has reported on how Modern Warfare 4 ties into Taylor Sheridan’s film, indicating that there’s considerable attention on this release beyond just the game.
| Date of Itaewon crowd crush | October 29, 2022 |
| Location | Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea |
| Official death toll | 159 |
| Date backlash reports surfaced | October 29, 2026 (fourth anniversary) |
Community Pulse
Player reactions are still developing, and we don’t have verified community quotes to share yet. The bereaved families association has been the most vocal so far, with Eurogamer noting their objections. Explosion will gather player and Steam reviewer sentiments once they can be accurately sourced and verified.
What To Watch
- Activision’s next move: Will they edit the cinematic, release a more detailed statement, or clarify if real footage was included?
- Response from the bereaved families association: Will they accept Activision’s explanation or demand changes?
- Regional fallout: Will the reported backlash in Korea spread to other markets or influence how the game is received elsewhere?
Marcus Webb
Marcus Webb covers esports, competitive gaming, and community stories for Explosion.com. A former semi-professional Counter-Strike player, Marcus transitioned to journalism 5 years ago and has since covered major tournaments including The International, League of Legends Worlds, and the Valorant Champions Tour. He brings a player's perspective to competitive gaming coverage and is known for his data-driven analysis of player performance and meta shifts.
