The recent WW2 Anti-Japanese Chinese video game

[Netbrian]

An article recently came up to me here about a video game being developed by the Chinese where the player works to help Chinese troops defeat the Japanese invaders (more information at http://news.com.com/2061-10797_3-5861327.html ). It is noted that this game is designed with the express hope of spurring patriotism and national pride in the Chinese people.

Now, on a gut level, I find myself slapping my forehead at the sort of provocation to the Japanese this game will almost certainly be, especially given that relations between the two countries are at rock bottom these days. China seems to be intent on making it as clear as possible that they have no desire to discuss the issue in good faith, and I suspect that's part of the reason behind Japan's own indefensible behavior with regards to the issue.

On the other hand, rationally, I cannot put my finger on why this disturbs me so much. We've seen countless games depicting the same period, some of which probably put one in control of the Chinese-side (especially strategy games). We've seen games about Iraq, a conflict who's wounds haven't even begun to heal in the eyes of many. We've even seen games developed expressly by the American government to portray the military. So how is this game tangibly different than any of these? The only answer I can come up with is context of some sort, a remarkably slipper word.

So, I ask the members of the SDMB -- Is this game, in comparison to all the games mentioned above, palpably "worse" or different, in a way that makes it more deserving of condemnation?

[The Hamster King]

I once pitched a shooter concept to a Korean publisher that revolved around war between North and South Korea. They said absolutely not ... not only would it not sell but it would be censored by the government.

However, they added, if we would turn it into a game about defending Korea against an invasion by the Japanese ... they'd sell millions.

(We ultimately passed because we didn't think there would be a U.S. market for such a game.)

As long as there was nothing overtly racist about the game, I don't see anything wrong, particularly since it takes place during WWII. How is this any different than the numerous American WWII shooters that let you kill Nazis?

[clairobscur]

I honestly can't see why there would any problem with this game. As you mentionned yourself, there are thousands of WWII related games. How is this one different?

[ElectricZ]

Originally Posted by clairobscur

I honestly can't see why there would any problem with this game. As you mentionned yourself, there are thousands of WWII related games. How is this one different?

American WWII themed games tend to show war against an ideology -- Nazis and Japanese soldiers fighting for their emperor, not against a particular ethnic group. In addition, Germany and Japan were defeated and in the Western view maybe paid enough for the war. There's distance from the past. It's history now. Japan, Germany and the US for all practical purposes are friends.

As far as the Chinese are concerned, there's still a score to settle with Japan... So this may not come across as simple entertainment.

EZ

[rjung]

While I agree that the game is somewhat creepy in that it seems to be stirring up antagonism, I also have to ask how is it any different from stuff like America's Army or the Rainbow Six series?

[Little Nemo]

I think the main factor is that in America such a game (and they certainly exist) would just be done for commercial purposes. In China, a game like this wouldn't get published unless there is a political agenda.

[Alessan]

Originally Posted by ElectricZ

American WWII themed games tend to show war against an ideology -- Nazis and Japanese soldiers fighting for their emperor, not against a particular ethnic group. In addition, Germany and Japan were defeated and in the Western view maybe paid enough for the war. There's distance from the past. It's history now. Japan, Germany and the US for all practical purposes are friends.

I can assure you that many Europeans think of Germany exactly the same way the Chinese think of Japan. Should these American WW2II games not be sold in these countries?

[FlyingRamenMonster]

Originally Posted by Alessan

I can assure you that many Europeans think of Germany exactly the same way the Chinese think of Japan. Should these American WW2II games not be sold in these countries?

You underestimate the Chinese feelings towards Japan.

[Latro]

Originally Posted by Alessan

I can assure you that many Europeans think of Germany exactly the same way the Chinese think of Japan. Should these American WW2II games not be sold in these countries?

Well, I allways play as the Germans..

[clairobscur]

Originally Posted by Alessan

I can assure you that many Europeans think of Germany exactly the same way the Chinese think of Japan. Should these American WW2II games not be sold in these countries?

Your citizenship made me think about a wargame I own : "Divided ground", which is a tactical wargame about the arab-israeli wars (excellent game that I highly recommand, by the way, but probably difficult to find now as it's rather old).

Given the extreme tension between Israelis and Palestinians, would selling this game in Israel or in an arab country be an issue too?

[FlyingRamenMonster]

I'm Chinese and this gives me a sinking feeling.

Context, I think, is definitely important. America may be fighting Iraq but there aren't a lot of Americans who actively hate Iraqis. There are plenty of Chinese who hate the Japanese, including young people like my cousins who were born decades after the fighting stopped. Argh.

[FlyingRamenMonster]

Um, I want to add that my point is, this won't be just another game about WWII. The publishers won't see it as such, and neither will the gamers, and that's what matters.

[dropzone]

Originally Posted by Netbrian

Now, on a gut level, I find myself slapping my forehead at the sort of provocation to the Japanese this game will almost certainly be, especially given that relations between the two countries are at rock bottom these days.

Rock bottom? I thought that took place around 1942.

[Netbrian]

Sorry, you're right. I meant "rock-bottom relative to the last few decades or so".

[Jenga]

Originally Posted by dropzone

Rock bottom? I thought that took place around 1942.

I wonder why you chose this year, or thereabouts, as Rock bottom?

[Ravenman]

Originally Posted by Jenga

I wonder why you chose this year, or thereabouts, as Rock bottom?

Oh, maybe because tens of thousands of Chinese were being massacred by invading Japanese forces, starting around 1936. That's my guess, anyway.

[Jenga]

The Japanese invaded Manchuria in 1931 and the Second Sino-Japanese War started in 1937 and ended in 1945. The most notorious Japanese atrocity, the Nanking Massacre, also happened in 1937. What was notable about 1942 other than America entering the conflict a few weeks beforehand?

[msmith537]

Originally Posted by Netbrian

On the other hand, rationally, I cannot put my finger on why this disturbs me so much.

Maybe you are being overly sensitive? During the Cold War, how many virtual Russians did you kill? I wonder how many virtual Vietnamese or Middle Easterners have been killed on PCs here in the US.