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On Being a Gamer in Iraq

Posted by Zonk on from the something-to-keep-your-mind-off-things dept.

The increasingly excellent games coverage from MTV continues, with Stephen Totilo's conversation with an Iraqi gamer (Flash site, video in upper left-hand corner). Wisam, the 23 year old gamer Totilo speaks with, shares a few stories with the reporter about his life in Iraq. He gained some notoriety on the web after sitting for an interview with the 'Alive in Baghdad' blog, but at the moment he's only interested in games and having something to do. A recent graduate of his city's English department, current circumstances in the city makes it hard for him to find meaningful work. From the article: "The American-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime changed Wisam's taste in games. He and his gamer friends used to enjoy first-person shooters like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty. Then a real war started around him. 'We hate the attacking, the gunfire in games,' Wisam said. 'We started to hate it.' In fact, there's only one game with guns he can still tolerate. 'Grand Theft Auto is the exception. Because Grand Theft Auto is like us.'"

9 of 74 comments (clear)

  1. In this post-Columbine world by metlin · · Score: 4, Funny

    In this post-Columbine world, is it anything like finding porn and listening to music on a Commodre from Afghanistan?

    (Sorry, could not resist - the old timers would know what I'm talking about)

  2. If they can still play it... by Lord_Slepnir · · Score: 3, Funny
    I'd hate to see the Counter Strike matches

    "Alright, we can't have everyone pick Terrorist again this time. At least some of you will have to go CT"

    *ducks*

  3. Cue Jack Thompson.... by dlockamy · · Score: 5, Funny

    How long before Jack Thompson claims that GTA is responsible for the insurgency int Iraq?

    Sadly I'm not sure if this is a joke or a serious question.

    1. Re:Cue Jack Thompson.... by Jackass+Thompson · · Score: 3, Funny

      Well, it is. Before video games there was no war or violence.

      --
      Are you threatening me?
  4. GTA by Rob+T+Firefly · · Score: 3, Funny
    Grand Theft Auto is the exception. Because Grand Theft Auto is like us
    Note to self: if you ever end up in Iraq, try the coffee.
    --
    Slashdot Burying Stories About Slashdot Media Owned
  5. Your argument wants valid claims by silentounce · · Score: 3, Funny

    "A lot of the kids who play FPS will gain a basic understanding (especially if they do poorly in their class-work) that all arabs are terrorists and are thus our enemy."

    These are, of course, the same students that will gain a basic understanding that if you eat a mushroom you will grow to twice your size.

    --
    There are many tongues to talk, and but few heads to think. -Victor Hugo
  6. Re:Join the campaign by silentounce · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's the second stupidest thing I've read all day.
    Was the preview of your comment the first?
    --
    There are many tongues to talk, and but few heads to think. -Victor Hugo
  7. obligatory Jack Thompson reference by Darth · · Score: 4, Funny

    In fact, there's only one game with guns he can still tolerate. 'Grand Theft Auto is the exception. Because Grand Theft Auto is like us.'"

    In related news, Jack Thompson has filed suit against Rockstar Games and the ESRB for destabilizing the middle east and causing the insurgency in Iraq.

    --
    Darth --
    Nil Mortifi, Sine Lucre
  8. Re:WoW in Iraq by elrous0 · · Score: 4, Funny
    Which ones are the bad guys again?

    And, if anyone knows the answer to this question, can you please CC:president@whitehouse.gov?

    -Eric

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.