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Konami Developing a Game Based on 2004 Battle of Fallujah
The Phrase
by Sean
In a ballsy and somewhat strange move, Konami has announced they will publish a game based on the 2004 battle that occurred between U.S. forces and insurgents in the Iraqi city of Fallujah. This marks the first time, at least in my memory, that a title based on a war is being developed while the war is still being fought. Entitled Six Days in Fallujah, the game is being developed by Atomic Games, a North Carolina-based company primarily known for their World at War series.
The announcement, made to the LA Times, was very short on game details, but there are a few things that are known so far. First of all, the game will most likely be appearing on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Secondly, it seems as though there will be some sort of multiplayer aspect to the game. Whether or not it will give gamers the option to play as insurgents falls under the "unknown" category. Personally, I think it would be in extremely bad taste to allow players to attack virtual Amercian troops, especially since there are still well over 100,000 still in country.
Speaking about Six Days in Fallujah, Atomic Games President Peter Tamte said:
"For us, the challenge was how do you present the horrors of war in a game that is also entertaining, but also gives people insight into a historical situation in a way that only a video game can provide? Our goal is to give people that insight, of what it's like to be a Marine during that event, what it's like to be a civilian in the city and what it's like to be an insurgent..."
I have to admit to being a bit nervous about the idea of the developer trying to make the game "entertaining". Sure, the purpose of any game is ultimately to entertain the player, but I worry not only about the presentation and entertainment value of the insurgents' side of the battle; I worry more about the mainstream media reaction to it. I can already imagine in my head the Fox News headlines when it becomes announced that Six Days will allow gamers to take down scores of virtual American troops.
What do you think? Is there a statute of limitations for a war game? Is this an attempt to cash in on headlines, a genuine attempt to tell a true story from history, or just a case of bad taste?
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Comments
"Okay people, we can't let Capcom take all controversy. We have to be worse dicks than them!"
"How about a game about the second Gulf War?"
"Yes! It's a controversial war, and it's still going on! Haha! This is perfect! We'll make RE5 look like an ethinicity sensibility program! AAAAHAHAHAHAHA!"
On a more serious note, when I read "Six Days," all I can think of is Ben "Yathzee" Croshaw's point-and-click games.