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A scorching potato: A brand new recreation arrived on Steam yesterday, partly set within the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and “formally beneficial by the Russian Navy.” Unsurprisingly, there’s been lots of controversy round what’s being known as Russian propaganda, together with questions over the way it was allowed on the platform within the first place.
Free-to-play tactical shooter Squad 22: ZOV is the one recreation to come back from each developer SPN Studio and writer Zarobana Leisure. The outline reads, “Based mostly on actual war-time expertise of residing Russian veterans of conflict in Ukraine.” There’s additionally a piece in daring that proudly broadcasts, “Recreation is formally beneficial by the Russian Navy to be used as a primary infantry tactic handbook for cadet and Yunarmy [Russia’s Young Army Cadets National Movement] coaching.”
The sport guarantees to point out “historical past as it’s,” tasking gamers to delve into the “complexities of the 2014 and 2022-2024 occasions,” referring to the invasions of Crimea and Ukraine, respectively. There’s additionally the promise of gaining perception into the views of those that lived via these intervals – presumably Russian troopers –understanding how these occasions formed their lives and opinions.
Gamers may rescue hostages and seize prisoners, and encounter and work together with civilians, all from the perspective of the Russian navy forces.
The sport’s website names a number of of the Russian troopers who acted as particular navy consultants throughout growth. One in all these is “Hero of the Russian Federation” Vlad Golovin, who commanded a platoon within the siege of Mariupol, which is without doubt one of the recreation’s campaigns.
The location additionally confirms that Squad 22: ZOV was developed with data supported by The Essential Navy-Political Directorate of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
The title ZOV itself is made up of the three letters which have change into outstanding symbols of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, showing on navy automobiles, pro-war propaganda, and in public shows throughout Russia and occupied territories.
The Ukrainian state’s Centre for Countering Disinformation known as ZOV Russian propaganda final yr. It was additionally proven off at Russia’s Military 2024 occasion.
To get ZOV on Steam, SPN’s lead dev Alexander Tolkach instructed PCGamer that it “went via [a] very lengthy moderation course of. Valve’s group actually requested entry to all in-game content material and checked it for about 60 days,” as a substitute of what he mentioned was the standard 5 to 7 days. He added that the group was cautious to not embrace something unlawful.
Tolkach added that the concept for Squad 22 “got here from GVPU,” Russia’s Navy-Political Directorate, however funding got here from “our personal financial savings and in majority by a personal investor.” He additionally made the doubtful declare that no cash constructed from the sport can be filtered again to the Russian navy.
“I perceive why 99% of recreation builders follow both long gone (as much as WWII) or fictional settings. And I perceive Ukrainian gamers do not like us.”
“Perhaps it might be logical if Steam closes recreation gross sales for Ukraine, as they, by the best way, did for Russia… However now we have the best to inform the tales of our individuals. As a recreation designer and producer I all the time took most care to confirm as a lot as doable that we put in solely details and concepts we all know are actual,” Tolkach argued.
“I do not suppose you may deny that Western media are flooded with [a lot of] disinformation… So, now we have all rights to defend our dignity and present the world how we see this battle and, extra importantly, why it really started.”
ZOV at present has a blended ranking on Steam from the 250 individuals who have rated it. A number of of the feedback spotlight what look like violations of Valve’s phrases of service and ask for it to be faraway from the platform.
Russia has been utilizing video games for propaganda functions because it invaded Ukraine. It was reported in 2023 that Minecraft, Roblox, Russian variations of World of Tanks and World of Warships, Fly Corp, Armored Warfare and Conflict Thunder have been all named as video games used to unfold pro-Kremlin messages in numerous methods.
