Modern Warfare 2 + Spoilers

[JKTrix]

Activision has publicly confirmed and commented on the segment:
Activision Confirms and Explains Leaked Modern Warfare 2 Footage - IndustryGamers

Apparently there are non-optional checkpoints that warn that the upcoming content may be disturbing.

Wanted to draw attention to this again. I'll put Activision's full statement in a spoiler.

(SPOILER)

The leaked footage was taken from a copy of game that was obtained illegally and is not representative of the overall gameplay experience in Modern Warfare 2.

Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 features a deep and gripping storyline in which players face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse. The game includes a plot involving a mission carried out by a Russian villain who wants to trigger a global war. In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism.

At the beginning of the game, players encounter a mandatory “checkpoint” in which they are warned that an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements and they can choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene. Consistent with its content, the game has been given an “M” for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. The rating is prominently displayed on the front and back of the packaging, as well as in all advertising.

Wal-Mart is also pushing this pretty hard, and they have a 2-minute TV commercial about it. Near the beginning, the Wal-Mart commercial also stresses that the game is for adults (in a rather interesting way). The rest of the video is kind of lame, but whatever.

So, Activision says you can 'choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene'. Some sites are saying that means you can skip it, but I'm not sure the quote from Activision indicates that. I think it just means you can choose not to...engage in the gameplay.

I'm glad that it doesn't just happen without warning. They state their intent with the scene clearly there, stress that the game is rated M for a reason, and warn you--the adult player--in advance that stuff is gonna happen soon that you might not like.

I don't know how this game isn't going to be AO in the states.

Violence < Sex in America, apparently.