--- title: "Red Cross Challenges Gamers Not to Commit Any War Crimes" description: "The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is urging first-person shooter gamers not to commit any in-game war crimes." date: "2023-04-21" modified: "2023-04-21" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/red-cross-gamers-war-crimes" categories: - "Future Society" tags: - "first person shooter" - "gaming" - "the digest" - "videogames" --- # Red Cross Challenges Gamers Not to Commit Any War Crimes ![]() *\Image: Bohemia Interactive\* ## Fair and Square The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is urging gamers not to commit any in-game war crimes. As [*Kotaku* ]()[reports](), the ICRC has partnered with a number of Twitch streamers to promote the effort dubbed "Play by the Rules," which is designed to educate gamers about the statutes of war. It has even created a mode for the popular video game Fortnite designed to help communicate what the rules of war actually are. While well-intentioned, we're not sure how many gamers will actually take the ICRC up for the challenge. But given the motivations behind the project — teaching them about the rules of actual warfare — it's certainly a worthwhile endeavor. ## No Thirst Zone The stated goal of the effort, [according to the ICRC's website](), is to "protect the humanity and dignity of people all over the world." No small beans. "Every day, people play games set in conflict zones right from their couch," reads an official description. "But right now, armed conflicts are more prevalent than ever. And to the people suffering from their effects, this conflict is not a game. It destroys lives and leaves communities devastated." "Therefore," it added, "we're challenging you to play FPS by the real Rules of War, to show everyone that even wars have rules — rules which protect humanity on battlefields IRL." As far as the actual rules of "Play by the Rules" go, participating users aren't allowed to "thirst" — per the ICRC, a term that refers to a player shooting "downed" or "unresponsive enemies" — target "non-violent NPCs," or attack civilian structures. They also have to use medkits on everyone, as the rules of war decree that anyone sick or wounded on either side must receive care. ## Point Well Made As *Kotaku* notes, the ICRC did something [similar back in 2017](), asking gamers to take on the role of a humanitarian aid worker in a popular military tactical shooter, and tasking them with navigating through a crisis zone, helping the wounded, and talking to reporters. That said, while the ICRC has a very real point that it's trying to make with these campaigns, it's hard to imagine that gamers will actually heed their word and follow these rules. Nonetheless, it might not be the worst thing in the world to see them more broadly incorporated into video games. **More on video games:** *[New Videogame Facial Animation Is So Realistic It's in the Uncanny Valley]()* ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()