Playfully Anachronistic and Historically Inauthentic: Understanding Resistance to Diverse Representation in Call of Duty: Vanguard

Andrew Wilson

Authors

Andrew J. Wilson University of Rhode Island https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7338-9470 (unauthenticated)

Keywords:

Call of Duty: Vanguard, history, authenticity, marginalized identity representation, culture, Reddit, inductive thematic analysis

Abstract

This article examines backlash against marginalized identity representation in Call of Duty: Vanguard (Sledgehammer Games, 2021), with a focus on the r/CODVanguard community. An inductive thematic analysis of history-oriented posts shows that many players criticize Vanguard’s characters for perceived inauthenticity or historical inaccuracies. However, discussions range from criticism over the game’s narrative, weaponry, and other historical gadgets to disparaging comments on the characters’ sexualities, physical appearances, or racial backgrounds, implying that identity, not just history, is a crucial component of player critiques. With that in mind, this paper examines the construction of exclusionary discourse, drawing on contemporary debates about identity politics in gaming culture. The findings show that the r/CODVanguard authenticity discourse, which claims its historical setting is mostly inaccurate, delegitimizes the contributions of marginalized communities during World War II (WWII), and reinforces hegemonic expectations as the standard by which successful WWII games should be judged. This article contributes to existing literature by highlighting how some gamers’ discursive fixation on historical accuracy perpetuates an exclusionary status quo within gaming culture.

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