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Gaming Cafe Scene In Iraq Illustrated

Posted by simoniker on from the worldwide-phenomenon dept.

Otter writes "An Iraqi weblog has a series of pictures of the gaming cafe scene in Baghdad. Lots of Counter-Strike and Medal of Honor, apparently." The photographer also uses the comments to respond to questions about the lack of women in the pictures: "The reason you don't see women at these places is that Iraqi women (at least my age) don't have that much interest in gaming... Another thing is that I'm a bit cautious about photographing women due to cultural issues and misunderstandings they might get me wrong and think I'm using the pics for... err 'other purposes'." We previously reported on earlier comments about gaming in Iraq.

46 comments

  1. PS2s by Rubbersoul · · Score: 3, Funny

    So that is why they wanted all those PS 2s. Here we thought they were building bombs and such, but in fact it was for kids to play games. Boy we feel silly for invading the country now.

    --
    man .sig
    No manual entry for .sig.
    1. Re:PS2s by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      Actually, Half-Life is just practice for getting to and from work/school.

  2. Just goes to show their cooperation. by Rayonic · · Score: 2, Funny

    I mean, if the Iraqis were really resisting the coalition forces, our troops would all be dead from their l33t AWP sniping skillz.

    "OMFG! HEADSHOT?! STFU, CH34TER!!!"

    --
    [PowerPoint] is a tool for capitalist presentation
    1. Re:Just goes to show their cooperation. by Rayonic · · Score: 1

      OMG, I finally got a conservative moderator.

      Either that, or I wasn't that funny.

      --
      [PowerPoint] is a tool for capitalist presentation
  3. Life in Iraqi... by gustgr · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ... seems to go on.

    The war might have affected a lot of people, mainly the poor ones. With those pictures we can see that even with the 'civil guerrila' the people are trying to move on [at least eh younger] and enjoy their life.

    It is nice to see those pictures for another reason too, which is that give us a shot of what developing countries really are. Iraqi isn't all about caves and deserts, no country is. Of course there are several problems and poors, but people are usually happy [self experience].

    The picrutes are great by the way.

    1. Re:Life in Iraqi... by Pendersempai · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Life ALWAYS goes on. Life in Nazi Germany went on. Life under Stalin went on. You could find children playing in the streets at the height of the raids, the purges, the inhumanity.

    2. Re:Life in Iraqi... by kwoff · · Score: 1

      This is exactly what I was going to say. I think people have the impression that Iraq is all sand and camels, but if more people saw pictures like this, I think more people would be pissed off about invading Iraq and less talking about using nukes to make glass deserts.

      One of the things I've noticed since living in Europe (France/Switzerland), is there seem to be more documentaries / news items on TV about life in places like Turkey or Iraq, where people are acting normally (as opposed to bombing things or chanting death to the USA, etc). This might be because I hardly ever watched TV in the US (now I have motivation to learn French), or because I wasn't in the US for the last year, so they actually do show more shows like that, but I'm guessing there are actually fewer shows. And if so, it probably goes toward explaining why places like France are more anti-war, as the people can more easily identify with the Iraqis, Afghans, etc., here than they can in the US.

    3. Re:Life in Iraqi... by hesiod · · Score: 1

      > I think people have the impression that Iraq is all sand and camels, but if more people saw pictures like this, I think more people would be pissed off about invading Iraq

      You underestimate the people of the U.S. and overestimate the value of pictures. We know perfectly well that most people in the world live in areas at least comparable to those inside the U.S. We know there are people there.

      > less talking about using nukes to make glass deserts.

      I have not heard a single person suggest (outside of jokes) using nukes in Iraq.

      > explaining why places like France are more anti-war, as the people can more easily identify with the Iraqis, Afghans, etc., here than they can in the US.

      Maybe because of the large French Muslim population? Of course they can relate better -- when you can drive a few hours and be surrounded by them, it is easier to do that. It has nothing to do with television (wrt understanding others -- actual war support relies heavily on TV propaganda, of course). The disconnect happens because most Americans have 0 opportunity to leave the country. Some can go to Canada or Mexico, but only the relatively wealthy can afford to visit Europe or Asia. Europeans take for granted that they are almost always within 300 miles of at least one other country.

      Also, as a last note, no: there are few TV documentaries about everyday life in other countries. Why? Because most of us will never be anywhere near there. The Travel Channel may have such programs, but on most channels, it is a complete waste of time.

  4. Hey! by devphil · · Score: 1


    We were playing that map just last Thursday! Man, we need to get these guys some Teamspeak headsets and they can join our regular Spearhead deathmatch sessions.

    --
    You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem. (Edwards' Law)
    1. Re:Hey! by irokitt · · Score: 1

      I'm guessing you speak Arabic then.

      --
      If my answers frighten you, stop asking scary questions.
  5. so much for video games making people killers... by *weasel · · Score: 4, Insightful

    this seems to be clear cut evidence that gamers prefer virtual gunfights to real gunfights, even when the latter is cheaper and more widely available. ;p

    --
    // "Can't clowns and pirates just -try- to get along?"
  6. It has to be said... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    "Terrorists Win"

    1. Re:It has to be said... by clarkc3 · · Score: 1

      So they were playing Socom?

  7. Terrorists! by nepheles · · Score: 4, Funny

    Counter Strike? Oh My God, people -- these people really are involved in terrorism!

    Nice to know this war is now justified. I can just picture Colin Powell in the UN with another glitzy PowerPoint presentation showing these pictures.

    --
    ((lambda x ((x))) (lambda x ((x))))
  8. No room for Gamecube? by MMaestro · · Score: 2, Interesting
    In the pictures shown, its very clear that the PS2 is the dominating console of the shown cyber cafe. However, I have to wonder whats really fueling it in a place like Iraq. Obviously you're not gonna find an EBGames or Wal-Mart to buy games down there, so the only conclusion I can think of for the PS2 being number one down there is piracy.

    Now before I get modded down for being anti-PS2, let me point out a few facts. 1. The PS2 has the biggest most available gaming selection (not to mention the ability to play PS1 games). 2. The PS2 is more easily modable than the Xbox and less resistant against illegal copies compared to the Gamecube. 3. If it wasn't for the fact that PS2 games are huge, you would probably find them common warez on Kazaa and other P2P software.

    1. Re:No room for Gamecube? by NEOtaku17 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Would find them on P2P? I find them on P2P all the time. Ever heard of eMule or used Bittorrent? PS2 games are ripe for the picking. They are everywhere! But then again that's on my internet. What about yours?

      --
      Creative Demolition
    2. Re:No room for Gamecube? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      >2. The PS2 is more easily modable than the Xbox
      You're wrong, softmods for the Xbox are quite possible :)

    3. Re:No room for Gamecube? by EvilIdler · · Score: 1

      Actually..PS2 and XBOX games ARE readily available
      on certain P2P networks. Yes, DVD-sized games.
      Not that I have one to download anything for,
      mind you..

    4. Re:No room for Gamecube? by MMaestro · · Score: 1
      To quote myself in the parent post : 'you would probably find them common warez'

      I haven't heard about people using Kazaa or Bittorrent to download Prince of Persia Sands of Time in the news. I'm well aware of the PS1/2, Xbox and Dreamcast warez that are available via Bittorrent, but they are not widely used or spread. Not yet at the very least. They're there, I've known that for nearly 4 years now since I first modded my PS1 but they're certainly not common. Theres probably a grand total of 100 different Xbox and PS2 games online total.

  9. Oh no, not again... by orthancstone · · Score: 1

    Yet another country obsessed with Counterstrike...will it ever stop? :(

  10. Server IPs by NEOtaku17 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Does anyone know where I can find a list of all the Iraqi server IPs? I would really like to play with these guys and welcome them on to the internet and to online gaming. Stupid question following: Do alot of the people that would be playing speak any english(or will I have to learn a little of their langauge).

    --
    Creative Demolition
    1. Re:Server IPs by Cruel+Angel · · Score: 3, Interesting
      I busted a nut laughing about this post. It seems that in the 'Western' world we still feel that in other parts of the world people need/ want someone to 'welcome' them to the internet and online gaming. I understand your sentiment, and think you almost have a great idea. I'd hope you meant to say that you'd like to welcome them to online gaming in the UK, or NorthAm, or whereever you are from, and that welcoming them to the internet was just a misprint.

      The other thing that made me laugh was the notion of a self appointed online welcome wagon. "Welcome to the internet, here's 200MB of free porn, 100MB of MP3s, you RIAA subpoena, and your first emails. There's one from Melissa, and she loves you. As well, someone thinks you may need some, err, enhancements."

      --
      Two Rules For Success:
      1) Never tell people everything you know.
    2. Re:Server IPs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Are you for real? Are you so blatently ignorant and patronizing to think that the internet and online gaming is *new* to people in Iraq (or I'm guessing to you, any non western country).

      Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot, the good ol' USA has just brought all that "civilization" stuff to thier country, before then they were all dirty heathen natives living in mud huts on the desert.

      You even make it sound like you find it amazing that "these people" (and it's quoted because I think that's something you would say) should not speak english and that you might have to pick up some words of "thier language" ("Oh ho ho, how quaint, they make 'talking' sounds, oh do imitate the native dear.").

      You sir, are awarded the honour of "Grade-A Idiot".

    3. Re:Server IPs by Dreadlord · · Score: 1

      I hardly doubt that they even have Internet there, let alone having gaming servers...

      --
      The IT section color scheme sucks.
    4. Re:Server IPs by NEOtaku17 · · Score: 1

      First off I play Counterstrike, Day of Defeat, Medal of Honor, Neverwinter Nights, and Halo and have never met an Iraqi(not that I have known of anyway)on any of those games, but to "welcome them onto the internet" should have been refraised as "Welcome to my internet" assuming it will even be bridged or was already connected, but if it was why have I never seen any activity from Iraq on the net(lack of interest maybe?). I didn't mean to sound condescending to anyone of those people or to take it upon only myself to welcome them, it is just that I like meeting new people and if I ever found myself in a new place(such as a new community people that play online multiplayer games) I would probably be more apt to play if I were welcomed and wanted there. Sorry for wording my thoughts in an ignorant and misleading way.

      --
      Creative Demolition
    5. Re:Server IPs by NEOtaku17 · · Score: 1

      If attempting to welcome someone is patronizing then I guess I will refrain from it, but I was only thinking of meeting new people and playing with them. And if you would kindly reread my post please I think you would encounter my little note that says "stupid question" before the part about speaking English. I never said anything about the US bringing them civilization or anything like that. Of all the one Iraqis[This phrase is in a sarcastic tone]I met, 100% of them speak English. Sorry for my blantant stupidity, but when I do encounter some while playing online multiplayer games I will be sure to greet them in Arabic. Hopefuly it will be in an understandable dialect, because if it was me I know I would feel more welcomed to the community. Sorry for being stupid.(By the way neighbors are Syrian and they know Arabic and would gladly teach me)

      --
      Creative Demolition
    6. Re:Server IPs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Probably because until recently only a relative handful of Iraqis had any access to the internet at all, and it was heavily monitored and filtered.

      Cruel Angel is just self-righteous in his ignorance, but this being the internet, that's hardly a rare quality.

    7. Re:Server IPs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I find it quite humorous that you call someone a "Grade-A Idiot" after admitting that you were putting words into his mouth to bolster your argument.

      If this is the quality of discourse we can expect from the internet, perhaps the Iraqis were better off under Saddam, when almost none of them had access through the state ISP.

  11. Re:No Women by rylin · · Score: 3, Informative

    You're wrong.
    I work at a lan cafe, and we regularly have girls ( 15 - 24-ish ) playing during the nightgibs.

  12. Virtual WMD by mattwarden · · Score: 2, Funny

    What they don't realize is that they are actually controlling robots who are searching their country for WMDs.

  13. No women by aliens · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yeah, there are no women because it's just in Iraq that girls don't really get that into gaming.

    That's the ticket, continue to believe that in the West girls far out number guys at our gaming cafes. That's one way to make young geeky Iraqi teens want to be more like us. ::)

    --
    -- taking over the world, we are.
  14. TERRORISTS USING CS FOR TRAINING by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's what I saw in the photos. Good thing we liberated them.

  15. Huh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ..and think I'm using the pics for... err 'other purposes'.

    I don't get it; are the girls from your country always nude? I thought this wasn't about sweden.

  16. Terrorists by gleekmonkey · · Score: 1

    We have found evidence of terrorist training camps...

  17. I wonder if they play Desert Combat mod? by antdude · · Score: 1

    Desert Combat. I wonder if Iraqis would be offended to play this mod.

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  18. Re:so much for video games making people killers.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They don't prefer it. It's just that virtual guns and bullets are so much cheaper to practice with.

  19. Re:No Women by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    yeah right.. -where exactly did you say were you working?

  20. Re:No Women by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yes, please tell us where you are working.

    pretty please

  21. Re:No Women by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I work at a lan cafe, and we regularly have fat bitches and other pigs playing

  22. Re:No Women by JavaLord · · Score: 2, Informative

    The reason there is no women is the same as in the rest of the world :) Women aren't much into gaming is it ?

    How does this get modded as flamebait? It's clearly the truth, for every 100 male gamers there is probably 1 female. I suspect this will change with the current 13-25 generation of gamers, but females over 25 don't play video games for the most part, while males over 25 do.

  23. Women and Games by MonkeyCookie · · Score: 1

    I find that women tend to be interested in different type of games. My girlfriend (over 25) is quite uninterested in most of the games I play, but she just loves puzzle and word games. I practically have to pry her away from Bookworm.

  24. FPS? by Hoi+Polloi · · Score: 1

    Strange that they would choose to play FPS (first person shooters), isn't their whole day one big FPS?

    You'd think they'd want to escape reality and play something like "Help the Happy Bunny Pick Flowers".

    --
    It is by the juice of the coffee bean that thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains. The stains become a warning
  25. By an Iraqi gamer by Zeyad · · Score: 1

    Hi all. Damn! signing up is so complicated. Glad you liked the pics. I'll take some more in a few days. By the way these guys aren't playing online (we don't have online gaming yet), the cafes are set up to play locally with nearby ones. I'll get some pics of Iraqi gamers playing UT, UT2003, BF42, Red Alert, Empire Earth, and Black Hawk Down.