Disclaimer: This is not intended to be political in the least bit. Some statements may seem contrary to clearly stated forum rules. This is not the case, and such statements are only made so as to provide background information. This information is provided as historical truth, and in no way reflects the political position or opinions of the poster. Any opinions provided are solely in the interest of discussing the ramifications of an increasingly poor genre of so-called historical videogames. World War II games will continue to come out. They're very well established at this point, and sadly represent a lot of what many people probably "know" of said conflict. As mentioned previously, the setting provides for a clear enemy that is undeniably evil. Whilst all of those German soldiers were simply fighting for their country, much like any other serviceman would, the broader implications as seen through hindsight cannot be denied. For this reason, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone mourn the loss of a digitally represented Nazi and you'd have a hard time complaining that the German soldiers are being vilified.
However, things seemingly become confounded when you bring in other factions of the "Axis". People in general tend to know even less about the Japanese involvement in World War II, and certainly very little of the Italians. Add in the fact that Russia was an uneasy ally and immediately became hated enemies after the dust had settled, and you quickly begin to see potential campaign settings diminish. No one country were heroes, but videogames and films tend to stick with the United States and England above anyone else. The probable heroism of any given soldier is overshadowed or outright ignored in favor of showcasing the greatness of said country. This may simply be a case of history being written by the victors, but also doubles as a sort of Ministry of Truth, wherein the ends justified any heinous means potentially taken.
People like to be told how great their culture is, and how their country saved the world from evil. The large majority of persons that had been
there are no longer
here today, and certainly don't play videgames if they are. They make up an almost nonexistent piece of the potential market. The developers don't care if they offend, because ultimately they aren't selling history, they're selling an experience that smells vaguely of an assumed truth. People are familiar enough with the setting and primary characters that such games practically come preinstalled with a user base. Besides, people like to blast faceless and unquestionably evil stormtroopers, whether it be in Normandy or on the Death Star...
The linked discussion is somehow not political to some degree? o_O
I think it isn't. It's mostly about ethics and morals concerning the portrayal of WWII games.
Your army recruitment post is a bit of a slam against the political tool that is the military. Eep! Shouldn't be talking more about it.
The army recruitment post was not a "slam" against anything, per say. Even if it were, it would have been directed at the delusional masses that think war is something that it is not because they've played a few videogames and read the junk mail sent out to them by the government. In discussing anything related to war, the discussion will be political in nature. War is, in and of itself, a strictly political beast--until we get back to talking about clans of cavemen fighting over a fallen mammoth carcass to eat and survive, that is. In discussing the dilemma of appeasing veterans by not trivializing their efforts while appealing to the masses with an entertainment product, you are essentially speaking more of politics than you are morals or ethics. Me thinks that this "no political discussion" rule, while just enough, is vaguely implemented and narrowly enforced.
EDIT: Many of these points seem to have already been discussed within the aforementioned "
Current WWII Shooters Are Unethical" thread. I just wasted a lot of typing, apparently. At least I now know for sure that my comments aren't political in nature...
Topic: Treyarch Puts Specialized Team in Charge of Next Call of Duty (Read 25216 times)
