Posted on 05/25/2006 8:16:55 AM PDT by Vectorian
Venezuelan anger at computer game
Venezuelan politicians have complained about a forthcoming "shoot-em-up" computer game that simulates an invasion of the South American nation. In production by Los Angeles-based Pandemic Studios, Mercenaries 2: World In Flames is based around the overthrow of an imaginary Venezuelan "tyrant".
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has long accused the US of planning to invade, something Washington denies.
His supporters say the game aims to drum up support for a real invasion.
'Realistic possibility'
Pandemic has insisted that the title - due to be released next year - is solely about entertainment.
I think the US government knows how to prepare campaigns of psychological terror so they can make things happen later
Venezuelan congressman Ismael Garcia
"Pandemic has no ties to the US government," Greg Richardson, the firm's vice president of commercial operations, told the Associated Press.
"Pandemic Studios is a private company, focusing solely on the development of interactive entertainment."
Yet Pandemic's publicist Chris Norris said its designers "always want to have a rip from the headlines".
He added: "Although a conflict doesn't necessarily have to be happening, it's realistic enough to believe that it could eventually happen."
Messes with oil
Mr Chavez and the US have been at daggers drawn for most of the eight years since he came to power in 1998.
In addition to repeatedly accusing Washington of seeking to overthrow him, Mr Chavez has greatly increased state control over its oil industry, the world's fourth largest, and responsible for 15% of US supplies.
In Mercenaries 2: World In Flames, gamers play soldiers sent to overthrow "a power-hungry tyrant [who] messes with Venezuela's oil supply, sparking an invasion that turns the country into a war zone".
Venezuelan congressman Ismael Garcia, a supporter of Mr Chavez, said the computer game was preparation work for a real invasion.
"I think the US government knows how to prepare campaigns of psychological terror so they can make things happen later," he said.
I did enjoy the first one and now I *know* I'll enjoy the second.
Chavez is un bebe grande. He can dish it out (down with the US) but he can't take it. What does it say about a country when a video game upsets you? There were tons of anti-Russian video games (anyone remember C-64's "Raid Over Moscow") in the 80s and the Russkies didnt pay any attention to it.
Now there's a video game I would enjoy.
LOOK OVER THERE....WHAT WAS THAT?
Bwahahaha!
See,Cesar,it can be just that quick!
Looks like a good game. Thanks for the tip.
This guy's as easy to outrage as a Muslim.
What do you people think third world "nations" are for, but for us to play war in? Be grateful that this time, it's just a computer game. For now.
Quick, call the WAAAAAHHHmbulance! LOL! at least it wasn't a cartoon!
You left off the
/sarcam tag.
Recently Chavez "took umbrage" with this war game!!! Too Bad!!!
You don't have to tell me mate, my family spent 300 years in the armed forces bringing the civilisation of the British Empire to scores of third world countries, whether they wanted it or not! :D
Don't forget the 1982 movie, "Red Dawn." I doubt if the Russians were pleased by that film, but who cares?
As for the commie Chavez, anything or anyone that upsets him is A-OK in my book.
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