Credit where credit is due.

[LittleRaven]

I often throw shade on some of our neighbors across the pond for what I consider unreasonable restrictions on free speech.

But they do occasionally do the right thing.

Computer and video games can include swastikas and other Nazi symbols, a German industry body said Thursday, after a heated debate over the "Wolfenstein" franchise in which gamers battle Third Reich forces.

The game was previously deemed to have fallen foul of the German criminal code, which bars any depiction of so-called "anti-constitutional" symbols, including Nazi swastikas.

Good on you, Germany.

[Antiboyscout]

I wonder how quick that ruling will be reversed if someone makes a game that humanizes Nazi's.

[LittleRaven]

I wonder how quick that ruling will be reversed if someone makes a game that humanizes Nazi's.

I'm not an expert in Germany law, but from what I understand, in that scenario, the ruling wouldn't be reversed...that particular game would simply be banned.

[Robovski]

At least Hearts of Iron 5 won't have to have Germany headed by a guy named Hisler with no picture and a pink emblem.

[Admiral X]

Considering the many other free speech issues that country in particular is having these last few years, I can't help but laugh a bit at this news.

[Darth Wedgius]

Interesting!

It brought a question to mind, so I did a little digging. "The Producers" was performed in Germany in 2009. For anyone not knowing about it, there is Nazi imagery in it, but... it's complicated. Effectively there is a satirical treatment of Hitler and WW 2 Nazism in there.

I wonder why shooting Nazi soldiers in a video game was more controversial than treating Hitler satirically. Maybe the age of the audience was a factor.

[LittleRaven]

I wonder why shooting Nazi soldiers in a video game was more controversial than treating Hitler satirically. Maybe the age of the audience was a factor.

Again, not an expert, but I think it comes down to the medium.

Germany has always granted exceptions when it comes to displaying the Swastika for 'legitimate artistic purposes.' However, until now, that could only apply to movies, pictures, or live performances. Video games simply did not qualify as 'art,' and thus were not eligible for any exceptions. Somewhat understandable, given that video games simply did not exist when the original law was written.

[Darth Wedgius]

I wonder why shooting Nazi soldiers in a video game was more controversial than treating Hitler satirically. Maybe the age of the audience was a factor.

Again, not an expert, but I think it comes down to the medium.

Germany has always granted exceptions when it comes to displaying the Swastika for 'legitimate artistic purposes.' However, until now, that could only apply to movies, pictures, or live performances. Video games simply did not qualify as 'art,' and thus were not eligible for any exceptions. Somewhat understandable, given that video games simply did not exist when the original law was written.

That does sound more likely, now that you mention it.