Red Cross Encourages Gamers to Abide by Real War Rules in FPS Games

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a challenge to video game players worldwide. The humanitarian organization is urging gamers to play first-person shooter (FPS) games following the real rules of war to raise awareness about the importance of the laws that govern armed conflict.

The ICRC's challenge is not only aimed at individual players but also at game developers and the video gaming community as a whole. The objective is to encourage the incorporation of real-life consequences for violating international humanitarian law (IHL) within the virtual gaming world. By doing so, the ICRC hopes to foster a more profound understanding of the legal and ethical implications of warfare among gamers, who represent a significant portion of the global population.

Moreover, the ICRC believes incorporating IHL into video games can positively change the perception of armed conflict among gamers. For instance, in 2011, the organization consulted with gaming companies to include aspects of IHL in their games. Consequently, some developers altered their games by adding penalties for players who commit war crimes.

The Red Cross's challenge to gamers and developers alike highlights the potential of video games to educate and promote awareness of the real-life consequences of armed conflict. By integrating the laws of war into virtual gaming experiences, the ICRC hopes to foster a deeper understanding of international humanitarian law and its importance in protecting human dignity, even in the virtual world of gaming.