I remember how controversial this was. I'm really glad that they decided to keep such a scenario in a "AAA" game and make it actual gameplay as opposed to a cutscene.
Had it ended up being a cutscene, it wouldn't have had the same impact. The fact that it was so divisive at the time is a testament to the potential of interactive experience unique to Video Games that you can't experience in films or literature.
Admittedly, COD games aren't necessarily the most mature or sophisticated games in terms of tone, still, it's more of an example of that moment.
All too often it feels like video games as a medium are somehow not allowed to explore certain topics or imagery that could be deemed sensitive. Like there is this glass ceiling put in place, and it frustrates the hell out of me.The technology within games become more sophisticated with each generation.
Higher fidelity visuals, better animations, better AI. Despite the amazing amount of games being developed, I still feel like there are barriers we still have yet to break through and shake this perception that videos games are for children, and exclusively meant for cheap entertainment.