German Cold War border guard game sparks controversy
A computer game set in the Cold War which allows people to play East German border guards who shoot political fugitives has caused controversy in Germany.
The game 1378 awards medals to "guards" if they shoot a high number of East Germans trying to escape to the West.
23-year-old Jens Stober created the game as part of his university degree.
It was due to be released this Sunday, the 20th anniversary of German reunification.
However, it has been reported that criticism of the game has delayed its launch.
The title 1378 represents the length in kilometres of the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War, known as the "death strip".
The game has been developed in the "first-person shooter" genre where the player's perspective is that of the person holding the gun.
Up to 16 people can play at the same time and players can also take on the role of East Germans trying to flee the communist state.
"Guards", meanwhile, also have to face the consequences: they later find themselves in the year 2000, when they are put on trial for the shootings....
Read entire article at BBC News
The game 1378 awards medals to "guards" if they shoot a high number of East Germans trying to escape to the West.
23-year-old Jens Stober created the game as part of his university degree.
It was due to be released this Sunday, the 20th anniversary of German reunification.
However, it has been reported that criticism of the game has delayed its launch.
The title 1378 represents the length in kilometres of the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War, known as the "death strip".
The game has been developed in the "first-person shooter" genre where the player's perspective is that of the person holding the gun.
Up to 16 people can play at the same time and players can also take on the role of East Germans trying to flee the communist state.
"Guards", meanwhile, also have to face the consequences: they later find themselves in the year 2000, when they are put on trial for the shootings....