Red Cross Condemns Misuse of Emblem In Games

Heartless Gamer writes "The British Red Cross has told GamesIndustry.biz that it hopes to work with developers to prevent the 'illegal and detrimental' misuse of the red cross emblem in videogames. From the article: 'It is important for videogame manufacturers not to use the emblem in their games, including for matters related to its humanitarian purpose, such as first aid or general medical care,' said Michael Meyer, head of international law for the British Red Cross."

Comments

Breaking news...

[Red Cape]

In a related segment, a Red Cross spokesperson has told of plans to sue the Catholic church.

Re:Breaking news...

[Profane MuthaFucka]

I seem to recall that he washed his hands of the matter. In fact, he invented washing hands of matters.

Look out switzerland...

[gnuadam]

...you're next.

Hah!

[Quaoar]

Now you bastard campers won't be able to collect health packs while hiding in your little towers!

Hahaha I've got it bad...

[19thNervousBreakdown]

In the article, in the upper right corner is a picture of a Red Cross truck. You know what my first thought was? Run into it and absorb it, full health!

Let's hope I never see one on the freeway.

Violent games? What about the violence of reality?

[Stradenko]

"The fact that the Red Cross is also used in [videogames] which contain strong language and violence is also of concern to us in that they directly conflict with the basic humanitarian principles espoused by the Red Cross movement," Pratt stated.

The fact that the Red Cross is also used in [real worlds] which contain strong language and violence is also of concern to me, in that these worlds directly conflict with the basic humanitarian principles espoused by the Red Cross movement.

If they don't want us to use a red cross in games

[Anonymous Coward]

If they don't want us to use a red cross in games, they should stop putting health in the med kits.

Re:Excuse me?

[tengennewseditor]

The Red Cross is an international symbol of healing.

That's exactly the kind of misuse that the Red Cross is asking people to prevent. The Red Cross is a symbol of protection, not healing.

It should be put on armor packs.

Re:Hard to defend the trademark...

[Jozer99]

The red cross also threatened legal action against the Stanford math department for "repleated and blatant use of our symbol in mathematics to convey addition".

Re:Hard to defend the trademark...

[log2.0]

At least in Australia they give us a beer for our blood :)

Gets you drunk much faster :D

Denmark quick to respond

[jmenon]

Shortly after the comments were made, the following article was printed in the Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten:

Copenhagen (9 February 2006) -- In order to avoid any accusations of possible insensitivity towards important international icons, the government of Denmark today issued a rapid response to the comments by the Red Cross regarding the use of its symbol in video games.

"Denmark always exercises extreme caution when it comes to respectful use of international symbols," explained Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "Beginning today, all Danish-made video games will eliminate the use of a red cross emblem as requested. While we are not yet certain what image will be authorized to replace the red cross, the leading contender is a red crescent moon," he said. Once the red crescent image is ready, he explained, Denmark will call on newspapers from across Europe to join them in support of this deliberately meaningful gesture."