It may have become increasingly ridiculous since it left World War Two behind, but the Call of Duty series still consults with veterans when putting a game together. Ever wonder why those veterans decide to spill the beans?
Hank Keirsey, a retired lieutenant colonel and military historian, has worked on all six Call of Duty games (including the upcoming Black Ops) as a military advisor, meaning heâs often the guy who pays a visit to old war veterans to hear their stories, see if they can contribute something to a game.
âAt first these veterans would tell me that they didnât want to have anything to do with a video game,â Keirsey says. âAnd Iâd say, âWell, then, your story will never be told.â And theyâd say, âWell, OK.'â
So why go talk to the vets? Itâs not like Call of Duty games have ever been biographical in nature. Instead, Keirsey says, itâs so the developers can get that âone gritty storyâ which results in a key set piece or cinematic moment to really make the game feel ârealâ.
