The controversial ending of Mass Effect 3 has us rethinking when a game becomes less about its creators’ vision for the canon and more about its debt to the fans. It’s another argument for another article, but the rarity of such an event goes to show how only a handful of video game fanbases possess the right confluence of numbers and passion for such debate.
Another similar fanbase: that of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
After grossing over $1 billion in just 16 days following its release, it’s safe to say that the modern military FPS has more devout followers than Activision knows what to do with - a Catch 22 if an overwhelming misstep starts a unifying protest. Fortunately for the publisher, Modern Warfare 3 has yet to experience any cupcake bake/online petition-inducing momvements just yet, but it’s not stopping an online group from inciting a 24-hour blackout of the popular multiplayer game come April 20.
The group revealed their manifesto in the YouTube video below, which cites, “[Activision and Infinity Ward’s] lack of support towards the community’s needs and concerns.”
After rattling off a list of grievances that includes lacking lag compensation, a broken spawn system, poor sound and matchmaking options, and Tactical Insert in the Kill Confirmed mode, the video concludes with some Anonymous-inspired “We are” undertones:
