Survivor, is it too real too soon?
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Oct 7th 2004 at 11:48AM }
Replay Studios recently revealed its upcoming "Reality Gaming" project, Survivor. While there's
no plan to include ridiculous tasks on a deserted island, the game will feature historical disasters from the
past 100 years. Missions will include catastrophes like the Titanic, Hiroshima, and 9/11. Not to undermine those other
tragedies, but the simple fact that 9/11 occurred just three short years ago puts a title like Survivor into question.
How far is too far? And is it too soon? Replay argues that the game is about saving people, and although
sensationalized, how much more inappropriate can it be than a game like Conflict Desert Storm (a bestseller)? The
studio has even hinted at the addition of a Baghdad level, which would take an entirely new approach to the obvious
military blitzkrieg. It's certainly a sensitive subject, reflected in the fact that Replay has yet to find a publisher.
But if this game does ever make it home, it will be interesting to see how we react. Perhaps the thrill of games like
GTA or Manhunt is that they aren't really real at all.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
Jingoists and those without morality seem to get pleasure from resurrecting the tragedy of 9/11 and other horrible events. I love a good action game and am not above shooting a few virtual nazis for entertainment, but this is beyond the pale. The people who make the software (and those that buy it) occupy the same level of hell as those who are selling coins minted from silver recovered from the World Trade Center and other bits of memorabilia. Trying to make a buck (or a name) by releasing this sort of stuff is absolutely despicable. If they were in New York or knew anyone in New York who was affected by this tragedy they wouldn't dare to piss on hallowed ground like this.
Steve @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
Interesting.
I think a question of morality is irrelevant. This game is a SIMULATION. And one that you DONT HAVE TO BUY. I dont see how people's viewpoints on a particular substance or action, as long as its safe, should dictate what others have the ability to enjoy. Espiecially when its not really real. Most morals spoken of in this country councide with christianity. And look what thats done to the world, the wiping out of the Native Americans on BOTH continents. If when the conquistadors arrived to an area, and the natives could not or did not know how to bear the sign of the cross they had their hands chopped off. Bush smears 9/11 over his campaign for imperialism. Where 100,000 civilians died and many more still are. And thats ALOT more real than a game.
Games are like books movies and every other genre of entertainment. Its NOT real. No more real than a daydream.
Thank you.