Berg’s retro gaming comments threaten call of duty movie
Peter Berg’s confirmed direction of the upcoming Call of Duty film has unearthed a decades-old interview revealing a surprisingly critical stance on video games – a potential minefield for the project.
A flashback of frustration
The internet is dissecting a 2013 interview with director Peter Berg, where he delivered a scathing assessment of what he termed “pathetic” keyboard-based warfare, reserving a rare exception for military personnel. The remarks, unearthed by ResetEra user Neat, stem from a piece in Esquire, published during a period when Berg was vocal about America’s perceived cultural “softness.”
At the time, Berg, fresh off the underwhelming Battleship, was exploring themes of national resilience. He dismissed “war video games” as “pathetic,” labeling the act of gaming for hours as “weak.” His comments extended to questioning the motivations of naval personnel engaged in virtual combat: “They’re out there serving and they’re bored and they want to entertain themselves? Okay, maybe. Kids? Uh-uh.”
A military get-out-of-jail-free card
Berg’s position on gaming took a slightly different turn when asked about Navy SEALs. He conceded that some were players, but insisted, “I tell them I think it’s pathetic. I think anyone that sits around playing video games for four hours. It’s weak. Get out, do something.” The comments are a stark contrast to the scale and realism Berg promises for the Call of Duty adaptation, hinting at a potentially challenging press tour.
Paramount’s ambitions & berg’s tightrope walk
Activision and Paramount are pushing forward with the film, aiming to capture the series’ massive global appeal while introducing new audiences. The teaser released at CinemaCon, featuring the iconic ‘Seven Nation Army’ riff, showcased Berg and co-writer Taylor Sheridan emphasizing a commitment to portraying the realities of soldiering “on a human level, but also bring amazing scale.”
The project’s future hinges, in part, on Berg’s ability to reconcile these past statements with his current vision. With a June 30, 2028 release date looming, Berg has ample opportunity to shape his narrative. But the internet isn't letting this particular piece of history fade away. Given the film’s potential box office, expect a pointed interrogation of Berg’s views when the promotional campaign kicks off.
Ultimately, the success of Call of Duty’s cinematic debut may well depend on how Berg navigates this uncomfortable legacy.”n