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Politics and video games have collided in a recent heated controversy between the Iranian government and video game developers, Kuma Reality Games.
Kuma created a game called “Assault on Iran” where US troops are battling against Iranians over nuclear weapons. The game ignited anger in Iran, where the Islamic Student Societies are now threatening to retaliate.
“Commander Bahman”, the game the organization is creating, follows an elite Iranian special forces operative who takes on an eight level mission to rescue an Iranian atomic scientist from US troops in Iraq.
Rather than backing down, Kuma is escalating their attack with “Assault on Iran, Part 3: Payback in Iraq.” Kuma is creating the game as “a direct response to ‘Commander Bahman.’” Iranian forces are attacking US troops in Iraq to get back a captured nuclear scientist.
Yet, the virtual attacks are more than just fun and games. Kuma hopes to bring key political issues to the front lines.
“This kind of game-based dialogue is unprecedented in the history of international relations,” stated Keith Halper, CEO of Kuma. “To have been able to ignite such a vital discourse with a video game is beyond our greatest hopes. While we seek to bring current affairs to life in a manner that is both accessible and relatable, the thoughtful engagement by the Union of Islamic Student Societies was unexpected and thrilling. We think the story they’ve suggested is exciting and relevant, and both emotionally and politically charged. We look forward to responding with the same level of thought-provoking, relevant game-play in which the whole world can participate.”