U.N. Video Game Encourages Kids to Feed, Not Kill

[SillyGoose]

ROME (Reuters) - The jungle territory that hides lurking rebel forces makes it look like a shoot-em-up adventure, but in this video game -- from the U.N.'s food aid agency -- the aim is to feed the masses rather than blow them away.

The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) hopes the game "Food Force," in which players direct aid workers trying to help the poor, will teach children about the problems of feeding the hungry, especially those trapped in war zones.

"So many parents complain about the blood and gratuitous violence that kids are so frequently exposed to in video games. This is a fun action-packed alternative," said WFP spokesman Neil Gallagher, launching the game on Thursday.

The game challenges players to get food into the fictional war-torn island of Sehylan -- finding the hungry people, dropping aid from a helicopter, dealing with hostile forces and setting up "Sim City" style farm projects for the future.

(more)
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050414/media_nm/leisure_food_videogame_dc&e=9&ncid=762

[vptpt]

1. It's available for download

Go to www.food-force.com if you can, but I can't seem to connect. Must be busy!

[On the Road]

2. I Used to Like Lemmings

I think partly because you had to save the little critters rather than shoot them. Still one of my favorite all-time games.

[Tux]

3. Why assume all video games

Are for kids? Don't parents understand what Mature 17+ means?

[FreedomAngel82]

4. Obviously not

You can tell also usually by the covers they aren't made for kids. Doy. Sounds like a cute game!

[Tux]

5. Seems like a good idea

I wonder if players could throw bread at the rebels though.

Food Force GTA-style.