South Korean government launches ‘spot the spy’ game
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has launched a Flash game to teach young people about the dangers of North Korean spies. Subjects of the indoctrination are eligible for prizes like a laptop or a total frontal lobotomy.
An NIS spokesman says the game, “…is designed to promote public awareness about security,” and is targeted at, “young people who do not know North Korea well.” And who better to educate young South Koreans than the government security service?
The game marks the anniversary of the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950 by asking players to pick out spies at a park and in Internet cafes. The game will run for two days and offers a bevy of prizes to winners and watches to bloggers who link to the game which can be found at http://www.nis111.co.kr/.
In the first level, you find yourself in a park seeking out North Korean spies and sympathizers. The first target is a low-key spy that is found holding a sign that reads, “Love Kim Il-Sung,” the first president of North Korea.
One blogger is quoted as saying that he has, “never met a spy before as far as I know, but I don’t think they will be waving ‘I love Kim Il-Sung’ signs or carrying walkie-talkies and pro-North Korean documents and books in public parks.”
The intrigue grows deeper as users advance through levels that warn them about people who post propaganda at Internet cafes, leaving quickly after, and those who attend anti-U.S. and anti-government rallies.
Other potential targets are those that photograph government buildings, carry sticks to protest or who cover their mouths when speaking. In addition, the game asks users to beware those who praise North Korea or who talk about reunification.
While some games such as Americas Army have had success in the U.S. for recruiting potential soldiers, ‘spot the spy’ is being described as laughable. Once again we learn that gore wins over gamers better than cartoon characters any day of the week.
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