An action by the International Red Cross drew attention. Shooter fans should adhere to rules and act as it should be in real war.
In shooters, killing, blowing up, and humiliating are done sneakily. There is no mercy for the wounded, and if it provides an advantage to blow up a building, the rocket launcher is drawn in an instant.
This is everyday life for gamers and is simply part of firefights in games – but it should not be the case in the real world. The International Committee of the Red Cross (“ICRC – International Committee of the Red Cross”) therefore wanted the rules of International Humanitarian Law to apply in games as well and initiated a challenge.
What was done? On April 15, there were several streaming events in which the streamers were to adhere specifically to the rules of war.
The games that participated in the project included the rather colorful Fortnite, but also the quite realistic Arma III. However, the appeal was directed at players of all shooters, so PUBG or CoD streamers also took part.
What rules are there? A total of 4 rules were to be followed:
- Defenseless enemies are not to be attacked: If an opponent is lying on the ground, cannot move, or has lost consciousness, no further fire is to be directed at them. Prisoners of war must be protected from violence, intimidation, and ill-treatment.
- Non-enemy NPCs must not become targets: Bots that do not open fire without provocation are considered civilians and must not be attacked. Civilians must never be attacked and must be protected.
- Civilian buildings must not be destroyed: On maps where there are residential houses, schools, or hospitals, these are considered safe areas and must not be damaged. In fights in these regions, everything must be done to avoid damage. Civil infrastructure is considered a protected area.
- Medical kits are to be used by all in need: If you have a medical kit that can also be applied to others, you must use it if someone needs it – regardless of whether they are friend or foe. The sick and wounded on both sides must be cared for.
What is the aim of this? The ICRC aims to draw attention and increase awareness of International Humanitarian Law. It was stated on the website for the action:
Every day, people play games set in conflict zones – simply from their couch. But right now, armed conflicts are more prevalent than ever before. And for the people suffering from their effects, these conflicts are not games. They destroy lives and have devastating consequences for communities. That is why we challenge you to play first-person shooters according to the real rules of war, to show everyone that even war has rules – rules to protect humanity on real battlefields.
What are the reactions to this? The action is being welcomed by many and is considered meaningful to draw attention to the rules of war and International Humanitarian Law. Especially in current times, it is good to sharpen the awareness of these rules and their benefits – and since video games are played everywhere, it is a suitable way.
However, there is also criticism of the action. Most video games are designed in such a way that adhering to the rules – such as sparing wounded enemies – will eventually lead to defeat. And the message “Anyone who adheres to the rules of war will lose” is certainly not what the Red Cross intended.
What do you think of this action? A good thing to draw attention to such an important topic in these times? Or do you have a different opinion on this?
