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a forum for the uses of videogames in advertising, politics, education, and other everyday activities, outside the sphere of entertainment



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Reuters outed as crocks
May 8, 2006 - by Ian Bogost

Update: It appears that Reuters is not to blame here; rather, they were reporting the actual events of the congressional testimony, during which, it appears, parody was provided as evidence that terrorists are using videogames as recruiting and training tools. We're looking into this and trying to straighten it out.

Normally I wouldn't open a new post on this topic, given that Gonzalo just covered it, but the gravity of the situation recommends it.

As Gonzalo noted, Reuters ran a story about "Islamists using US video games in youth appeal." And as Gonzalo also noted, the article was manipulative and propagandist. Well, it turns out it felt that way because it was also uncorroborated and completely false. As reported on this Dvorak thread, the video turns out to have been created by a player of Battlefield 2 using the stock Special Forces add-on. From the post,

The video the retarded writer is referring to is not made by terrorists. It was made by a member of the Planetbattlefield forums. The voice of in the video is not a terrorist - it is Trey Parker from the movie Team America World Police. The article also claims it is a mod created by terrorist. It is not a mod. It is the Special Forces Expansion pack that anyone can buy.

The original video can be viewed here.

Gonzalo's assertion that Al Quaeda games are no less objectionable than America's Army still stands. But apparently Reuters didn't even get the story right.

(thanks to Tim Holt)



Comment from Gonzalo Frasca on May 8, 2006

What we need to confirm -so far I was not able to- if the Battlefield mod in question was an example provided by Reuters or was instead shown to lawmakers at the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Does anybody has an idea on how to check this?

Comment from Ian Bogost on May 8, 2006

Right, it's unclear where the congressional testimony came from. I guess if Reuters was just reporting blatantly wrong testimony, then we should lower the hatchet. At the same time it's too bad the journalist chose not to do any research on the topic.

Comment from Elizabeth Losh on May 8, 2006

I just put my second call into Washington to try to get a copy of the transcript for the hearings. Should anyone track them down first, please let me know.

Comment from Gonzalo Frasca on May 8, 2006

The Reuters article -which, for obvious reasons, is not trustworthy- specifically says that lawmakers where shown the Battlefield video. The video was not made by al Qaeda. It features dialogue from Team America (made by South Park creators). If the Reuters article is right, then US Congressmen were shown comedy as terrorist evidence. Once we get a transcript for the hearings we can confirm that. And then Reuters would have a great story in their hands about the quality of evidence that the US goverment seems to use on their War on Terror.

Comment from stelios on June 7, 2006

stelios haji-ioannou wrote:
Like what your about Alan. Met your son Simon at the club, no i am not gay like that I am fed up with people calling me a Big Bubble Queen, what does that mean? I wish to make clear that like ashley cole and Master Steps i stelios haji-ioannou am definately not gay in any way at all as i have had many high profile relationships with real women such as dannii minogue sister of Kylie Minogue.
My legal policy:
With regard to my legal policy. I am sure you will understand that i, stelios haji-ioannou cannot permit others to use my family name and the smear campaign i have had to endure notwithstanding and without the certainty that i will sue the person or publication for libel due to rights in my character and family name being prejudiced. It follows that no use should be made of the stelios haji-ioannou name (or anything similar to it) and if any smear whether directly or indirectly relating to gay or homosexual practices is made you or your publication will be punished to the full extent of the law. And in addition i will seek damages and compensation. The thought of being gay repulses and disgusts me and has brought a great deal of shame and embarrisment to my family especially as it is not true. I have nothing against gays or lesbians personally and i do not wish to offend anyone at all please do not misunderstand me i actually employ many gays and do not discriminate but i will sue anyone who calls me Stelios Haji-Ioannou is Gay or says Stelios Haji-Ioannou is a homosexual


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