Part 8/11:
The Reality of Cold War Narratives and Public Perception
Ryan emphasizes that depicting Soviet figures like Bezmenov aligns with the long-standing Cold War narrative that portrays Russia as the villain. He argues that this is a straightforward marketing tactic: by tapping into widespread negative perceptions of Russia, the trailer appeals to nostalgia, patriotism, and stereotypes that resonate with many players.
He criticizes the idea that Activision is "pandering" to the far right, suggesting instead that their goal is to craft a compelling and provocative story—one that naturally includes Cold War tensions—and that any accusations of extremist messaging are a form of censorship or political misdirection.