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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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Iran releases state-funded oil disruption game September 30, 2006 - by Ian Bogost According to the NY Times, the Iranian government has funded a videogame that illustrates how to disrupt world oil supplies by blowing up a U.S. tanker in strait of Hormuz. This recalls Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's warning that oil exports might be put in jeopardy if the U.S. doesn't back off Iran's nuclear program. The game, called "Counter Strike" (no relation to the Half-Life conversion) was produced by eight people in three months. I had a hard time categorizing this entry. Is this a newsgame? Is it an educational game? Is propagandist, or is it perhaps the first example of a videogame-based geopolitical act, wherein the videogame itself serves as part of the Ayatollah's warning? Would it be inappropriate to call this a "diplomacy game"? Some might perceive Iran's gestures as threats rather than negotiations, but doesn't the game itself serve to advance a position in international relations? Fascinating stuff. I wonder if we'll see more of this. (thanks to Jane) Comment from Jane McG on September 30, 2006
I love the questions you're asking here-- is it a geopolitical act to produce a videogame? Is this a rhetorical move-- a threat? Are they actually trying to plant the seed for this specific action as homegrown terrorism? Please keep us posted on what you find in the rest of the media and blogosphere in terms of critical and public and state reaction... Comment from Mark Chen on October 1, 2006
Yeah, but is it a *good* game that doesn't suck? :) Which makes me wonder how non-European/US/Asian countries' people judge games... Do they have a big gaming community? Comment from Ian Bogost on October 1, 2006
Comment from Brad on October 2, 2006
Anyone see MSNBC today, there was a teacher who was FIRED for bringing her students The way the right wing spins everything is dangerous. They keep pushing that kinda stuff, and eventually, there will be a law against it. Same with video games, and everything else. The way it works.... FOX NEWS: There are these songs , see.... They have violent and sexual lyrics... These lyrics are the downfall of our society. (then, FOX news guy says) FOX: Oh, i dont think we need to change laws, that might effect the constitution! - weeks later a similar scenario happenes a few weeks later, it happens again, then MSNBC and CNN carry the story, cos they dont want to be seen as being
Then, months later, a bill is introduced.
People, get out and vote, these right wingers are trying to run the country the way THEY see fit. it will be a police state in 5 years if we dont stop it NOW. Comment from Brad on October 2, 2006
oh, forgot, you have to read the NEWS article about this game... Iranian video game offers chance to blow up U.S. tanker Brad Comment from Tom Hunter on October 12, 2006
Lacking access to the game I am not certain we can comment intelligently on the propaganda/education/escalation? question. Reading the article they mention the Iran Iraq war, when Iranians really were shooting TOW missiles at tankers, and it is possible the game is about that. This caused more discussion over on Terra Nova, but as I understand more our whole debate looks more and more like the blind men and the elephant. POST A COMMENT
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