Geneva Convention takes issue with in-game power-ups

By Aleks Krotoski / controversy February 16 09:10

In one of the more bizarre news items that came out in the week I was away, the Canadian Red Cross has taken umbrage with the red cross emblem that emblazons in-game power ups of many first person shooters and action adventures. From an interview with the Red Cross' head of international law from GamesIndustry.biz:

"We would be willing to work with a videogame manufacturer to produce a game which shows the emblem in its correct use, as a symbol of protection during armed conflict, and where the player is rewarded for using the emblem correctly. Such a game could reward the player for respecting the rules of war and thereby, help the Red Cross Movement with its work to promote such respect," Meyer continued.

According to the humanitarian organisation, using its emblem in a combat situation violates a part of the Geneva Convention.