EXP Podcast #21: Perpetual War Games

Last week, Konami announced Six Days in Fallujah, a game set during the tumultuous 2004 batle in Fallujah, Iraq, developed by Atomic Games. Nothing stirs up controversy like a videogame adaptation set in a current war zone (except a large scoop of gratuitous nudity). With war veterans on both side of the fence, it is not so easy to work out how videogames should address warfare and current events. Yet Scott and I try to do just that anyway! Join us while we discuss PR insults, mixing games and social messages, and limitations of fun. At the bottom of the page, you'll find our delightful show notes. In them you'll find the Wall Street Journal's and LA Times' articles concerning Six Days in Fallujah, we encourage you to read them, particular for soldiers' opinions. Also, Chris Breckon of Shacknews had a closer look at the actual game, the product seems unsatisfying, but his thoughts on the subject are insightful. As always, we look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments section.Some discussion starters:- Is there a market for games about current events, particularly about controversial subjects?- Can a game intend to make players uncomfortable yet still be fun, or does this defeat the purpose?- Have any games you've played addressed serious and currently significant subjects?To listen to the podcast:- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking the title. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.Show Notes:- Run time: 24 min 59 sec- Wall Street Journal, Iraq, The Videogame- Los Angeles Times, Konami announcement update- Chris Breckon of Shacknews, Six Days in Fallujah, One Small Problem- Oligarchy, a political game about the petroleum era.