The video game series “Medal of Honor” has been in need of a reboot after a successful run. However, the newest video game within the series has ignited some fiery debate. All titles in the series were set in World War II until now. The newest version is set in the present war in Afghanistan. In multi-player mode, gamers can be either coalition forces (United States, U.K., etc.) or the Taliban in “Medal of Honor 2010.” The Minister for Defense of the United Kingdom has called for the game to be banned.
Bar required through Liam Fox
Liam Fox, the Defense Secretary (“defense” gets a “c” in British English) for the United Kingdom, has called for the game to be banned. He would like to see retailers refuse to carry it, according to The Guardian. Definitely, he also doesn’t think any person should purchase it. The belief that players could be in the Taliban in multiplayer mode is the root of the controversy, and would be shooting, virtually, at US and UK troops. Others have joined within the protest against shooting at United States or U.K. forces, even if it is only in online gaming. Considering games in other series for instance the “Call of Duty” series, took place in Afghanistan and Iraq, it was only a matter of time before this scenario arose.
Reaction from Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts makes the game, this being the first “Medal of Honor” not set in World War II. EA’s PR Representative, in AOL News, said the video game play is no different than how kids play. Police are opposed to by criminals, cowboys must contend with Indians and their own weak offenses within the post season, and in the game, “someone’s gotta be the Taliban.” Opponents also observe that Word War II is removed from modern history by a long time, and thus games in which individuals can be Nazis in multiplayer are less harmful as a result.
Not really the first game to employ shock strategies
Every video game controversy has two outcomes. Some individuals get offended, and the video game sells a lot of copies – the first “Mortal Kombat” and “Grand Theft Auto III,” for example. As far as the controversial component; it sadly seems inevitable. Steven Spielberg actually helped to create the first “Medal of Honor.” That first game had some multiplayer characters which were interesting also. Players could unlock multiplayer characters such as William Shakespeare or a German Shepherd. They could also play as a Velociraptor from “Jurassic Park”. That’s right. Dinosaurs killing Nazis.
Additional reading
AOL News
aolnews.com/nation/article/new-video-game-will-let-you-play-as-the-taliban/19588413
Guardian
guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2010/aug/23/liam-fox-medal-of-honor-ban
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