Sensational setting for new Medal of Honor
No exit strategy
Hours after US President Barack Obama announced a controversial escalation of American involvement in the war in Afghanistan, EA has revealed that it is setting the newest instalment in the long-running Medal of Honor franchise in the same theatre.
In what can only be seen as a move to one-up controversial rival Modern Warfare 2, EA is opting to model the plainly titled Medal of Honor after an ongoing conflict. To say that it's sensational would be an understatement, as the fierce debate surrounding the war in Afghanistan is sure to draw attention to the game.
While the setting no doubt earns a double-take, that doesn't imply a positive impression. Efforts to develop shooters within the context of contemporary wars have had a tough time drafting support.
Six Days in Fallujah, a shooter chronicling the battle for the Iraqi city during the current US war there, was cancelled earlier this year after it came under heavy fire. The controversial setting proved too much a risk for prospective publishers and the game had to be abandoned by developer Atomic Games.
It's unlikely Medal of Honor will be cancelled, but there's sure to be a debate about its appropriateness. Naturally, vice president and general manager of EA Los Angeles Sean Decker asserted a commitment to authenticity and respect. "EA has always been an advocate for telling the soldiers story. The new Medal of Honor follows that tradition."
Medal of Honor is being developed by EA Los Angeles in partnership with DICE, the creators of the Battlefield franchise, and is slated for release sometime in 2010.
