Video Games as Propaganda: China's "Glorious Mission"

Propaganda isn't a new idea.  As technology advances it must evolve to ensure the message still reaches its intended target.  So it's no surprise that with wars increasingly fought by the proxy that technology affords, gaming becomes an attractive medium for the message. 

America's Army was the progenitor of propaganda gaming and is widely touted as being the most realistic military simulation available.  Of course it shows the U.S. Army (the developer) in a favorable light and is an admitted recruitment and PR tool for the armed services.

 China followed suit in 2011 with "Glorious Missions" initially only meant as a training tool for soldiers within the PLA (People's Liberation Army.)  It soon grew popular among Chinese gamers who regularly enjoy the so-called "Red Games."

 "Glorious Mission Online,"  however, takes propaganda gaming a step further than just a recruitment tool.  The game includes a new campaign mission based on a long standing conflict with Japan over a group of small islands that both countries claim as their own.

One of the most popular genres of video games is commonly referred to as the First Person Shooter(FPS) with billions made on such franchises as Battlefield, Medal of Honor and Call of Duty.  Games like these generally place the player in the role of a combat soldier in front line action against a backdrop of a fictitious war. 

While game scenarios may be loosely based on current or past conflicts, the most popular are exercises in pure fantasy.  Entertainment and possibly an outlet for pent up testosterone are the only objectives.

Glorious Missions Online, however, is blatant about its subtext. 

To "bolster national defense education"

It's disturbing not for the violence or obvious propaganda but rather for its context.  If, for example, a new version of America's Army were released with a campaign built on the premise of toppling Iran's current leadership the  result would be no less chilling.

Glorious Missions Online features Japan and its allies including the U.S. as the opponents.  It's also no coincidence that the game was released on the 86th anniversary of the PLA. 

Is it just an amusement or a thinly veiled statement of intent from a fading political philosophy?  All we can hope for is that the battles stay confined to the game.