Call of Duty: realistic war games increase respect for history

In a recent interview, Hank Keirsey, military adviser for the Call of Duty franchise, said that he believes the creation of well made, realistic war games actually help younger generations become aware of and gain an appreciation for those troubled times in history.

Hank Keirsey has been working with Infinity Ward since the first Call of Duty came out up to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3, Xbox 360, PC). More on the interview in the full article.

Next-Gen recently conducted an interview with Hank Keirsey, military adviser for the Call of Duty franchise, who believes that the creation of well made, realistic war games actually help the younger generation become aware and gain an appreciation for those troubled times in history.

Hank Keirsey has been working with Infinity Ward since the first Call of Duty came out up to the upcoming installment, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3, Xbox 360, PC). From his experience, the games have actually given players a sense of respect for those who took part in the war:

I think it draws some awareness to the issue, and in the case of World War II games, I think it taught history. […] There are kids who would never have any interest in what their great-grandfathers did before they died, but theyÂ’re compelled to get on the phone and say “Dad or granddad or great-granddad, I just played this game. IÂ’ve talked to my mom and she said you were in that fight somewhere. What weapon did you carry? A Thompson?

Interestingly, Heirsey initially didn’t want to leave the World War II setting of the Call of Duty franchise, saying that:

I actually was reluctant to shift from [the WWII setting] just because I like talking to those [veterans]. But when I went back and saw what we’ve done with [COD4], I think it transfers some of that respect to the kids, the girls, guys—mostly guys—that are out there [in the service] today. So I feel good about it.