Activision has faced criticism in the past for its handling of sensitive topics, including an incident in 2021 where it apologized for an Islamophobic scene in Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Set against the backdrop of the Gulf War, a conflict that remains less frequently depicted in video games, the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has sparked controversy.

The game is specifically situated during the 1990 Gulf War, a sensitive chapter in Kuwait's history marked by Iraq's invasion under Saddam Hussein.

Just days before its global launch on October 25, Kuwaiti authorities have blocked the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to its violent nature and controversial content.

While the Kuwaiti government has not officially explained the ban, it is widely believed to stem from the painful memories associated with the Gulf War.

Activision has confirmed the ban, stating that the game has not received approval for release in Kuwait, which has led to the cancellation and refund of all pre-orders.

The company has committed to providing updates should more information about the ban become available.

This is not the first time the Call of Duty franchise has faced regional bans; previous titles like Modern Warfare in Russia and Black Ops Cold War in China were similarly restricted due to their controversial portrayals of real-world conflicts.

Promotional materials for the game feature notable figures from the Gulf War era, including Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and Saddam Hussein.

The Gulf War itself unfolded through two major military campaigns: Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, which occurred between 1990 and 1991.