ArmA 3 has been around for quite a while and the game has a reputation as an accurate war sim. Once again, however, the game is being misused to spread fake videos of real conflicts online.
It has happened a number of times and the Ukraine war is no exception. Supposed videos of war events have appeared on the Internet several times, which later turned out to be fake videos created with the military simulation ArmA 3 by Bohemia Interactive. Bohemia Interactive does not find this funny at all and has now made a statement to the community.
Dear community,
We are fully aware that fake videos from our #Arma3 title appear on the internet, pretending to be original videos from various armed conflicts.
Here you can read our official statement 👉 https://t.co/jwMNB1AMwl pic.twitter.com/zGoTBGR8NI
— Bohemia Interactive (@bohemiainteract) November 28, 2022
A statement from the studio said: “While it’s flattering that Arma 3 simulates modern wartime conflicts in such a realistic way, we’re certainly not pleased that it can be confused with actual combat footage and used as wartime propaganda. That’s in the past before, but now this content has gained traction in the context of the current conflict in Ukraine.”
Efforts have been made to combat such content by reporting these videos to the platform providers (FB, YT, TW, IG, etc.), but this is very ineffective. With every video that is removed, ten more would be uploaded each day. “We have found that the best solution is to actively work with leading media outlets and fact-checkers (such as AFP, Reuters and others) who have a wider reach and are able to effectively combat the spread of fake news material “, according to a spokesman for Bohemia.
Such fake videos have not only existed since the Ukraine war. Bohemia Interactive gives tips on how to recognize such fakes. These include, among other things, low resolutions intended to disguise the fact that the footage is from a game, shaky camera work, frequent night shots, videos without sound, people not moving, visible HUD elements or unrealistic vehicles, uniforms and equipment.
Bohemia Interactive also encourages the community to use in-game video responsibly, to label video game origin, and to continue helping to identify Fale material.
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