Disrespectful? Or a clever way to teach younger generations about the merits of war?

Much-anticipated war game Call of Duty 4 – Modern Warfare 2 hits store shelves today — the eve of Remembrance Day — and local gamers are buzzing.

Avid local gamer Jason Nickel, who pre-ordered the game before knowing its release date, is torn about the date as his great-grandfather was a war veteran.

“I think it’s a bit tacky to release it the day before we remember those who have died for us, but at the same time, I’m still going to buy and play the game because I’m a big fan,” he said.

Local radio personality James Callsen’s grandfather was also a WWII veteran, but Callsen doesn’t think the release date is a big deal.

“I’m pretty sure it has more to do with marketing than trying to make a statement. The Remembrance Day thing, in my opinion, is just a tie-in,” he said.

Callsen believes games like COD4 actually teach younger generations about war history, and 15-year-old gamer Keith Patterson agrees — even though his dad thinks the release date is “questionable”.

Activision games official Josh Selinger said COD franchise games are generally released in early November.

“Whether that is by design, or coincidence, I don’t know,” Selinger said.

Veterans and organizations representing them refused to comment until viewing the game.

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