Serious violations of the laws of war can only be committed in real-life. It is not suggesting that this apply to games that portray more fictional scenarios such as medieval fantasy or futuristic wars in outer space.Ī few media reported that certain virtual acts performed by characters in video games could amount to serious violations of the law of armed conflict. No, the ICRC is talking about video games that simulate real-war situations. Does this also apply to more fantasy oriented war games? The ICRC believes it is useful for players to learn from rewards and punishments incorporated into the game, about what is acceptable and what is prohibited in war. Violations occur on real battlefields and can therefore be included in video games. Sanitizing video games of such acts is not realistic. Should video games be prohibited from depicting such acts? The ICRC is concerned about scenarios that, for instance, depict the use of torture, particularly in interrogation, deliberate attacks on civilians, the killing of prisoners or the wounded, attacks on medical personnel, facilities, and transport such as ambulances, or that anyone on the battlefield can be killed. What are some of the violations of the law of armed conflict that are of particular concern? However the ICRC is not involved in the debate about the level of violence in video games. The fear is that eventually such illegal acts will be perceived as acceptable behaviour. The ICRC is concerned that certain game scenarios could lead to a trivialization of serious violations of the law of armed conflict. Game scenarios should not reward players for actions that in real life would be considered war crimes. This already exists in several conflict simulation games. Gamers should be rewarded for respecting the law of armed conflict and there should be virtual penalties for serious violations of the law of armed conflict, in other words war crimes. The ICRC is suggesting that as in real life, these games should include virtual consequences for people's actions and decisions. What exactly does the ICRC want to see in these video games? Further information on this topic can be found in the article, " Beyond the Call of Duty: Why shouldn't video game players face the same dilemmas as real soldiers? " in the International Review of the Red Cross, Vol 94 Number 886
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