New videogame released recently, Battlefield: Vietnam . A glorification of landmines and napalm, punji sticks and attack helicopters. The even more disturbing part: It's a lot of fun.
I'm really unnerved by my fondness for this game, and similar predecessors like Delta Force: Black Hawk Down and Battlefield: 1942. I just don't know how to respond. Is it OK to get enjoyment from shooting people and blowing them up? Well, no, not in real life. But is it really "just a game"? I have great respect for our military forces and the sacrifices and commitment they have out of sense of duty to their country and fellow citizens. But that's still somewhat short of enjoying seeing people blown up. And there does seem to be a distinction in my mind, as I don't get off on seeing people blow up on TV, in fact it makes me a little sick. But in the context of the game, it's incredibly effective and engaging.
And the games have become so much more enveloping, its incredible. It's entirely possible to enter a computer game as a "specialist" in helicopter piloting, or artillery, or reconnaissance. Your ability to provide effective intel and supporting your team are essential to winning. The fact that all this occurs online with other human players makes it even more immersive. It really is a lot of fun.
But it still makes me uncomfortable. It's not helped by the fact that EA (the publishers) have included mostly Vietnam-era protest songs on the soundtrack (HUH! What is it good for?), which sound disturbingly good while you strafe the enemy villages. That's when you're not listening to Ride of the Valkyries, a la Apocalypse Now, and yes, the people on the ground can hear the music get louder as your Huey comes into firing distance. Of course, as in Battlefield: 1942, you get to play both sides, thereby heightening the moral ambiguity of the whole thing.
I suppose I still come down on the "just a game" side of the argument, and to be honest I've played Grand Theft Auto and Black Hawk Down pretty regularly, and have still not killed anyone.
But I can't help but feel creepy about it. Not that it will stop me from playing.
Posted by ktismael at March 29, 2004 10:43 PM