It’s always interesting when a game generates controversy before it’s even released. Usually it’s because of gratuitous, over-the-top violence but in the case of Konami’s Six Days In Fallujah it’s because of the stark realism of the violence that took place not very long ago. Veterans, families of slain Iraq war veterans and peace groups have all come out against the game, but not everyone is against the game.

After looking at the arguments coming from the ‘con’ side G4 contacted some members of the military who are also gamers themselves to get their thoughts on the issue. Sgt. Casey J. McGeorge, a veteran of the Iraq war who served for thirty six months over three tours of duty says that he has no problems with the game, speaking as a combat veteran as well as a gamer, stipulating that it should be made as realistically as possible.

Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeant John Mundy points out the substantial differences between video games and real-life combat situations, citing that the Rules of Engagement dictate what weapons you can use and when. In most video games you have no such restrictions, so putting in these rules and consequences for violating them could be useful in training new Marines but points out that these restrictions would probably frustrate the average civilian used to playing games where you can “… lob a frag down the street or launch a RPG at a couple of guys if you have to reload”. He goes on to point out that the unfortunate ‘human factor’ of multiplayer could go a long ways towards dampening the usefulness of the experience though.

Both men pointed out that if made in a realistic enough fashion the game could be helpful in helping civilians understand the stresses of war. Many veterans return shaken and nervous, used to a life where getting too close to a seemingly innocuous car or stepping into an alley to relieve yourself could be fatal. More public understanding and support could make reintegration easier for veterans and lower their alarmingly high suicide rates.