Activision, quick to patch a wound, has explained that Modern Warfare 2 is "designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism".
The publisher spoke after a leaked video showed shocking footage of the player massacring innocent civilians.
"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," Activision told Kotaku.
"In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism."
Furthermore, Modern Warfare 2 - rated 18 by the BBFC - offers a warning that "an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements", and allows you to skip the playable section.
Risky. Ground-breaking?
Modern Warfare 2 will be released on 10th November for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.