Soldiers discuss Six Days in Fallujah controversy
by Xav de Matos 
{ Apr 10th 2009 at 9:33PM }
"I believe that this could be a good thing for both combat veterans and for the war in general," triple-tour vet., Sgt. Casey J. McGeorge said. The group points out that a realistic game set in the current Iraq conflict may help civilians understand the situation. Army Sgt. Kevin Smith notes that an Iraq-based video game could "hopefully bolster support" for troops and encourage more empathy for veterans by showing civilians "what the war is really like [for soldiers]."
Peace groups, veterans and families called for Six Days to be banned following its announcement, but Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeant John Mundy reminds everyone that those who are against the development of such a game "can spend their money elsewhere."
Gallery: Six Days in Fallujah
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 9:40PM
common sense FTW!!!
thank you marines, once again.
The Dark Wayne @ Apr 10th 2009 10:12PM
i enjoy your change of name
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:18PM
i know, right? from Sly to Ezio Auditore de Firenze. when i saw that assassin's creed 2 main character model, i was like 'that's my new name and avatar!' and i like it a lot.
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:19PM
But now your avatar is a beaver or something like that.
Don't get me wrong though.. I like beaver.
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:22PM
oh him? that's pedobear. he's my old avatar. i tried to tell him that it's over and Ezio is my new avatar but he refuses to leave me alone. Ezio, pedobear, and default mario switch. i got used to it.
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:25PM
Well, atleast you seem to be able to change your avatar, for whatever reason, no matter how many times I try, I seem to be stuck with Mario.
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:34PM
try switching to a different browser. on google chrome, i couldn't upload anything (except for pedobear...) and then when i switched to firefox, i was able to upload good ol' Ezio here.
Hedgeson @ Apr 10th 2009 11:34PM
Unfortunately, you still appear as Mario, here. I, too, have problems changing my avatar, so I'll try another browser as you suggest.
Josh @ Apr 10th 2009 11:38PM
All I see is Mario. :P
And your talking about Ezio got me to look into the post on him here on Joystiq, and yeah, really cool. A+
The Dark Wayne @ Apr 10th 2009 9:43PM
I wonder if the game really is going to be ultra realistic, like you get hit with a bullet in the right spot you're out
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 9:53PM
i hope. if they do that though, they would have to have a LOT of checkpoints.
Moptimus Slime (Gobot in disguise) @ Apr 10th 2009 9:55PM
as long as they skip over the Recharging health/health pack thing, I'd be willing to defend its realism
Powaqqatsi @ Apr 11th 2009 3:24AM
If they made it too much like real war nobody would want to play it.
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 9:46PM
What if you lost your kid in a drunk driving accident, and I make a game out of that. Not something that has a similiar concept, but the exact incident.
I could tell you not to buy it, but is that going to make you happy?
I'm extremely gratefull of the heroic service Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeant John Mundy has provided us all, but I would like to know how involved he was with the battle of Fallujah and if he lost any friends and/or troops there....
CantFlame (PSN MariusElijah) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:03PM
umm your game wont sale this will.....DUHHHHHHHHHH
Moptimus Slime (Gobot in disguise) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:05PM
I wouldn't give a fuck, because according to this little thing called THE FIRST AMENDMENT they have the right to. I might not like that the game exists, but I wouldn't try to have it banned.
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:06PM
.. what an amazing display of intelligence, CantFlame.
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:11PM
Well, you're right Moptimus. They have every right to make this game, but people have every right to voice their opinion.
It is my opinion and that of others, that this game displays a lack of respect for the fallen heroes and a lack of taste on subject matter. And from the press releases that they've made so far, a lack of any form of respect for our troops.
To me the phrase "It's just a game" is proof of that.
CantFlame (PSN MariusElijah) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:21PM
and what about COD games
Seriously its just a game, Yes people died but people die all the time, wars continue and its not going to stop,
Instead of bitching about this game, these groups should be bitching about the wars we are fighting banning a game isnt going to stop the war this game is based on
Moptimus Slime (Gobot in disguise) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:31PM
How do you feel about WWII games, Mystile?
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:41PM
Honestly, I have double feelings about those as well at times. I enjoy them, and I'd probably have more of a problem with them if they were based on actual squads and existing people. As far as I know, they are not.
Some of the cutscenes in COD:W@W are a bit disrespectfull, I admit.
This game, on the other hand, seems to try to get every event in this battle as accurate as possible.
A big difference, in my opinion, is that the events of WWII are far enough in history, that they might educate or atleast spark interest in people that don't know that much about WWII.
Another reason I'm not really excited about this game, is the fact there are still people over there, and there are still people dealing with the grief that this war has brought. People are still coping with the fact they loved a lost one.
It's just my opinion, though.
Kodros @ Apr 10th 2009 11:18PM
"I enjoy them, and I'd probably have more of a problem with them if they were based on actual squads and existing people."
Call of Duty 1 and 2 were based on real battles I believe. There is zero difference between playing a game that displays the tactics of a squad in WW2 and one in Iraq.
Noshino @ Apr 10th 2009 11:43PM
yup, its your opinion, and just like you like to complain about this game, I have the right to reply to your opinion
"Honestly, I have double feelings about those as well at times. I enjoy them, and I'd probably have more of a problem with them if they were based on actual squads and existing people. As far as I know, they are not."
So you would be ok if they made a game about the same battle, but with fictional squads? that's even worse, because you aren't paying any respect to the protagonists of the event. You are just replacing them, do you really think they would have been happy with that?
"Some of the cutscenes in COD:W@W are a bit disrespectfull, I admit.
This game, on the other hand, seems to try to get every event in this battle as accurate as possible."
And what's the problem with being accurate? I guess you have never seen documentaries?
What's the advantage of changing the facts and chain of events? other than bringing back memories to those related to the ones in battle, NONE. And before you say that bringing back memories is bad, I ll say bullshit sire, because as someone who knows people that have lost relatives, might it be in the military or police, in different kind of situations, most of the time they want to know how things happened, and often they feel proud of them. This wouldn't be any different.
"A big difference, in my opinion, is that the events of WWII are far enough in history, that they might educate or at least spark interest in people that don't know that much about WWII."
So its ok because it is far enough? may I ask, when does it become far enough?
So since this war isn't that long ago, it isn't educational nor interesting?
"Another reason I'm not really excited about this game, is the fact there are still people over there, and there are still people dealing with the grief that this war has brought. People are still coping with the fact they loved a lost one."
Uh, there are still people coping with the fact that they lost love ones during WW2....
If anything, the sooner the better, that way they can show that war is awful, and that unlike what the media showed on tv here on the US, the war was awful from the beginning, for both sides.
Nick8708 @ Apr 11th 2009 12:30AM
Regardless of any issues anybody has with this game, Moptimus is right that banning a game because of controversy or poor taste is just plain wrong. Freedom and banishment do not go together. You sacrifice one when you strive for the other.
Also, thinking that "Six Days in Fallujah" is disrespectful is both entirely subjective and based on no real experience with the game. You won't ever be able to form an opinion about this game that isn't subjective since whether or not you find it disrespectful can only be measured by personal values, but once the game is released then you ought to play it, or wait til you can see the game in action, so at the very least your opinion can be validated. Until then, your opinion about the game is not based on anything tangible and thus is prematurely formed.
I'm not saying you're wrong (afterall, subjective opinions are only wrong to people who disagree), but that your arguments against the game aren't valid until they're based on actual experience.
Powaqqatsi @ Apr 11th 2009 3:34AM
@Mystile
You're an idiot. Why are people even listening to what you have to say? WW2 shooters often have recreations of actual battles. If a marine with 3 tours under his belt says this could help raise awareness and sympathy for a soldiers plight, then that's good enough for me. Also, where do you get off saying;
"...this game displays a lack of respect for the fallen heroes and a lack of taste on subject matter."?
I am pretty sure you know nothing about this game, other than what you've been told. You haven't played it. You don't know shit about the amount of respect or taste in it. You don't have a leg to stand on. Quit trying to defend your idiotic initial post and move on to hating on something else you know nothing about.
Olicon @ Apr 11th 2009 8:10AM
I think I can relate. Nobody like to relive their bad experiences. But that's part of the reason we always skirt around the important issue, and precisely why the world will never improve.
What I will never understand is why it is always OK to have news reporting, movies, and documentaries of an event, but not video games? I know the public just don't see games as a meaningful media capable of expressing thoughts and emotions. It's just..strange, really, that for all the people arguing that video game is so interactive and can influence people's behavior very strongly, they would be so much against a game that might paint wars and violence as a bad thing.
PropagandaPanda @ Apr 14th 2009 2:11PM
Actually I WAS involved with Fallujah, in the USMC. And I did lose quite a few people I knew through both my tours to Iraq.
Why would I care that a game be made about it?
If the game talks about how shitty we are we all need to die and so on, then yeah, that sucks. But It's supposed to be a game about us (soldiers) doing what we do. It's because of the military the country has remained free, even if people dont agree with the wars. They suck but we did our job and the game will bring light to it.
Maybe I'll get a few less people telling me it was wrong that we did our jobs in Iraq, maybe a bit less press trying to screw over American soldiers for stupid crap.
I'll play it.
Obie (XBL: Obienator) @ Apr 10th 2009 9:50PM
I have no problem with this game, just the timing. Keeping an eye on this one.
InFaMoUs1- @ Apr 10th 2009 9:50PM
People are always going to bitch and moan over nothing.
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 9:53PM
yep. that's rule one of the internet. bitch and moan until ya can't bitch and moan no more.
aacman007 @ Apr 10th 2009 9:53PM
WORD FUCKIN UP!
Those tree hugging fuckin' hippies can go shove it and leave it be. If it really is what war is like, I want to play it. Playing Insurgency and Airsofting is a good representation of war... But it obviously will NEVER come to the real thing.
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:00PM
I've said this before to someone, but I'll say it again:
If you want to experience the real thing, sign up for the army. Put your money where your mouth is and be a real man.
Your comment disgusts me. There are people dying for your freedom, and you treat it like it's a fucking fun experience.
Go drink some gasoline and die!
aacman007 @ Apr 10th 2009 10:10PM
Hey guy, listen, how the fuck do you know that I haven't served? You insensitive asshole. I've never been to the front lines; but I've made and sent over the weapons our boys use to this day. Weapons Engineer. And may some religion's god bless the soldiers in the front for what they do, I have nearly more respect for them than I do for my own mother.
I strive everyday to make killing machines for our boys to use and to eliminate our enemies. I fix them, so our soldiers can fire their rifle true, and shoot straighter than the enemy.
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:16PM
I find it funny that you call me the "insensitive asshole"....
I thank you for providing the troops with great weaponry. That said, you still come off as a douchebag in your first comment.
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:20PM
no offense, but both of you came off as douches. mystilearmor, saying 'go drink gasoline and die' isn't exactly being sensitive, now is it?
MystileArmor @ Apr 10th 2009 10:23PM
I never said I wasn't insensitve, but for him to point that out is calling the kettle black.
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:25PM
fair enough.
aacman007 @ Apr 10th 2009 10:25PM
Yeah, my first comment was extremely douchy... I regret it.
WRE @ Apr 10th 2009 11:02PM
All right. Now shake hands, you two.
Josh @ Apr 10th 2009 11:32PM
Or hug!
aacman007 @ Apr 10th 2009 11:58PM
Fuck that...
Lets cross swords and count to Schfifty Five.
Moptimus Slime (Gobot in disguise) @ Apr 10th 2009 9:53PM
funny, these "peace groups" don't seem to mind when Activision announces a new COD game. No WWII vets complained when Medal of Honor was released. Yet a game comes out and says point blank "This is about the War in Iraq" and people lose. their. shit.
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 9:55PM
maybe because we're still in iraq, which this is based on. i don't think people would care too much about a WWII game made 50 years after the war. and COD4 was fictional. so...
John @ Apr 12th 2009 4:28PM
We still have people in the countries of WW2 too. Both under and above ground.
GalileoAce @ Apr 10th 2009 10:12PM
How is this game any different from the WW2 shooters and the Vietnam shooters? I distinctly remember both CoD2 and CoD5 showing specific events from the actual war... Is that different than this?
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:21PM
COD5: 50-60 years after WWII
this game: during the war
see the difference?
Moptimus Slime (Gobot in disguise) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:35PM
yes, one is the flavor of the month and the other is an old hat.
to put it another way
WWII: POPULAR
War in Iraq/Afghanistan: CONTROVERSIAL
Ezio Auditore de Firenze (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 10th 2009 10:36PM
i meant to say COD2 and COD5, not just COD5. COD5 is a full 60+
GalileoAce @ Apr 10th 2009 11:51PM
Time is irrelevant.
Noshino @ Apr 11th 2009 12:21AM
Sorry Sly, but if anything, a WW2 game, even today, would still be worse.
Like the poster above mentioned, time is irrelevant, if anything, the impact of WW2 was far greater, and so were the crimes.
Civilian losses:
WW2: Tens of Millions
Iraq/Afghanistan: Most sources estimate it at less than a million
Battleground
WW2: If Im not wrong, the only continent not involved was Africa
Iraq/Afghanistan: Do you really need me to answer?
It is rather hypocritical for someone to come and complain about a game portraying a war accurately, then come here and say that he enjoys other war games, and even worse, WW2 games.