video games that involved 911
Share Download (159)

Tags:

Video Games 9/11 Gaming History Controversial Games Game Themes Real-world Events

Eps 25: video games that involved 911

— Stuff

The podcast discusses video games that have incorporated elements of 9/11, either directly or indirectly. It highlights the ethical and creative considerations developers face when including such sensitive subject matter. Specific games mentioned include "Grand Theft Auto III," which was altered post-9/11 to remove potentially offensive content, and "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3," which features a mission inspired by the events but approached with sensitivity. The discussion also covers the broader impact on the gaming industry, noting increased sensitivity in depicting terrorism and disaster scenarios, as well as the shift towards more respectful and thoughtful representations of real-world tragedies.

Seed data: Link 1
Host image: StyleGAN neural net
Content creation: GPT-3.5,

Host

Melanie Wagner

Melanie Wagner

Podcast Content
In the realm of video games, 9/11 holds a complex place, deeply resonating in the narrative and development choices across the industry. For example, the game "Grand Theft Auto III" was set to release shortly after the attacks, leading Rockstar Games to remove several buildings and alter missions that were seen as inappropriate in the wake of the tragedy. Similar care was taken by other developers during that period; the game "Flight Simulator 2002" removed the World Trade Center towers from its New York skyline, acknowledging the sensitivity around their presence. Additionally, in "Post 9/11 America," the urban warfare depicted in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)" reflects hyper-realistic military engagements influenced by the tactics and technologies developed post-9/11, drawing a direct line from real-life events to in-game experiences.

Moreover, independent games also dove into the themes surrounding 9/11. "The Cat and the Coup," a historical puzzle game, explores U.S. foreign policy's indirect consequences via the 1953 Iranian coup, offering a tangential exploration of the long shadow cast by American global actions post-9/11. On a more abstract level, games like "This War of Mine" push players to empathize with civilians caught in conflict, mirroring the sense of loss and confusion experienced globally after the attacks.

This period of reflection led to nuances in gameplay and storytelling. Developers were hyper-aware of their social responsibility and the potential impact of their content. The influence of 9/11 carved out a fear of terrorism and disaster that games subtly reflected, appearing not just in the direct depiction of such crises but in the very tone, tension, and ethical decisions integral to their mechanics. These shifts portray a world forever changed, as seen through the lens of video games, offering players environments that grapple with the delicate balance between realism and respect.