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Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Review · Action · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360 · Wii · PC · Nintendo DS · Xbox One · macOS

Raven Software · 2007

Ludograph rating

B

Good

59 /100

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is an action shooter that develops strategic thinking and problem-solving, but has mature content and competitive online play.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 65 · R 45
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

65

Risk (RIS)

45

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.70
B2Social-emotional
0.50
B3Motor
0.75

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare offers intense, skill-based combat that hones hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and strategic thinking. Its team-based multiplayer fosters communication and teamwork, while the engaging single-player campaign provides a sense of urgency and a large-scale narrative.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.63
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.67

The highly competitive online environment can lead to social comparison and competitive toxicity. The game's design incorporates compulsion-loop design through variable rewards like killstreaks and experience point progression, which can encourage extended play sessions. Content includes intense violence and strong language, suitable only for mature audiences.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.33
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.33

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: concerns noted·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. Likely violations: unmoderated stranger contact that likely exposes personal data.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare a rating of 59/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare?

The highly competitive online environment can lead to social comparison and competitive toxicity. The game's design incorporates compulsion-loop design through variable rewards like killstreaks and experience point progression, which can encourage extended play sessions. Content includes intense violence and strong language, suitable only for mature audiences.