The Realism of World War II Tanks: A Dilemma for Game Developers

War Thunder, a popular free-to-play MMO game, has been facing a unique challenge in balancing realism with community expectations. The game allows players to decorate their WWII-era tanks and planes with national flags, but this feature has also led to a surge in nationalism, racism, and trolling in the online community.

According to Alexander Trifonov, Gaijin's head of public relations, many countries that are included in the game did not exist during World War II. This poses a problem for developers who want to maintain historical accuracy while also ensuring that players have a fun and engaging experience. To address this issue, Gaijin has started charging players for national flag decals that were previously free.

The decision to charge for flags was prompted by concerns about game balance and the potential for players to use symbols of Nazism inappropriately. Trifonov explained that while swastikas are not prohibited in all forms of media in Europe, they are strictly forbidden in video games. The inclusion of these symbols has led to a lot of trouble for Gaijin, with many players using them in offensive ways.

The game's community has been divided on the issue, with some players seeing the decision to charge for flags as a way to make the game more painful for bad actors who abuse other players. Others view it as an example of monetizing harassment and see the move as an attempt by Gaijin to profit from problematic behavior.

Despite these challenges, Gaijin remains committed to creating a realistic and immersive gaming experience. The company has included official artwork from museums and old photographs in the game, allowing players to recreate historical aircraft and tanks with accuracy and authenticity.

In conclusion, the inclusion of national flags in War Thunder has led to a complex issue for developers. While it is important to maintain historical accuracy and allow players to personalize their vehicles, it is also crucial to ensure that the online community remains safe and respectful. Gaijin's decision to charge for national flag decals may be seen as a way to address these concerns, but it remains to be seen whether this move will have a positive impact on the game's community.

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