Can a blockbuster video game authentically depict the horrors of the Second World War?

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Sledgehammer Games returned to the Second World War in 2017, aiming to balance high-octane entertainment with the gravity of historical atrocities. By removing modern movement mechanics and health regeneration, the developers sought a grounded experience, but their choices regarding the depiction of Nazi forces sparked intense debate about historical responsibility.

Released in November 2017, Call of Duty: WWII marked a significant shift for the franchise, moving away from the futuristic combat of previous titles. Sledgehammer Games implemented a traditional boots-on-the-ground style, removing wall-running and double-jumping. To heighten the stakes, the developers eliminated automatic health regeneration, forcing players to rely on squadmates for supplies and medical aid. This design choice was praised by some critics for adding strategic depth, requiring players to manage resources and positioning more carefully during the campaign.

The narrative follows Private First Class Ronald Daniels and his squad through pivotal events like the Normandy landings and the Battle of the Bulge. Unlike many predecessors, the game includes depictions of Nazi concentration camps, a decision the developers felt was necessary to tell an authentic story. However, this commitment to history was complicated by multiplayer design. In online modes, players could be assigned to the Axis side, leading to criticism that the game risked normalizing the Wehrmacht by distinguishing them from the SS—a narrative some historians label as the myth of the clean Wehrmacht.

Commercially, the title was a massive success, earning half a billion dollars in its first three days and surpassing a billion dollars in total global revenue by the close of 2017. While the campaign was lauded for its emotional weight and character development, the game faced scrutiny over its multiplayer customization. Sledgehammer allowed for diverse player avatars, including black and female soldiers within the German ranks, which some critics argued was historically inaccurate. The developers maintained that these choices were intended to make the game inclusive, allowing players to see themselves as the hero, regardless of the historical setting.

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