Publisher Activision has come out in defence of the leaked game scene, where players can take part in the massacre of civilians, as part of the "deep and gripping" narrative.

Players face a terrorist threat bringing the world "to the brink of collapse," and that scene was designed to "evoke the atrocities". Gamers are warned of the scene, and offered to skip it.

"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 tells Kotaku.

"In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism," they explain, referring to the leaked airport level clip.

"At the beginning of the game, players encounter a mandatory "checkpoint" in which they are warned that an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements and they can choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene."

"Consistent with its content, the game has been given an "M" for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. The rating is prominently displayed on the front and back of the packaging, as well as in all advertising."

Activision's backside is covered, from a legal standpoint, not necessarily a moral one. Will you be skipping the evocation of terrorist atrocity, videogamer? Modern Warfare 2 is being released on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC November 10th.