A new video game putting players in the trenches of Gallipoli has raised questions about whether the sacrifices of our Anzacs should be used for entertainment.
More than 7500 Australians were killed during the Allied forces’ eight-month campaign to break Turkish lines after landing at what later became known as Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915.
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Australia’s most lauded military battle has now been recreated in Gallipoli: Ottoman Fronts, the fourth entry in the WWI series by Dutch developer BlackMill Games.
“It’s a bit surreal being here,” the company’s chief executive Jos Hoebe said from a promotional event at Seddülbahir Fortress, on the Gallipoli Peninsula, earlier in August.
“It’s also a bit meta. People are playing the game on the location where the actual (battle happened).”
Gallipoli: Ottoman Fronts puts gamers at the heart of Australia’s most lauded military battle. Credit: BlackMill Games The developer has promoted the game as “a new authentic (first-person shooter)“ that “puts you in the shoes of a regular soldier of the British and Ottoman empires”.
“Fight across battlefields ranging from Gallipoli to Lower Mesopotamia with realistic weaponry, historical classes and upgraded gameplay features,” BlackMill said.
“Fight to control the beaches of the peninsula, defend key positions in Kut al Amara and charge across the deserts of lower Mesopotamia.
“The Middle Eastern Front will have you face challenges and exploit opportunities unlike those of any other theater.”
In its review, Game Reactor described it as “brutal, slow-paced, and historically accurate”.
Australians told 7NEWS they had mixed views about the battle being used in a video game.
“If it tells the true story of Gallipoli, yeah I think (it’s ok), but if it glorifies the war then no,” one said.
Talking about a promotional line from the game, another said: “Why does anyone need to master authentic weapons?”
A third told 7NEWS their grandfather fought in Gallipoli and warned game makers have to be “very careful” about how they recreate the campaign.
There was no comment from Australia’s War Memorial on Tuesday, but the Returned and Services League said “the game had not been brought to our attention”.
“We encourage anyone engaging with this … to do so thoughtfully, with respect,” the RSL said.
Games are a ‘powerful medium’ The Directorate of Gallipoli Historical Site, which manages and protects the Gallipoli Peninsula, said “games are one of the most effective ways to reach children and young people”.
“I hope this game will increase interest in Çanakkale (Gallipoli) both in Türkiye and around the world, encouraging more people to visit and learn about this historic land,” directorate president İsmail Kaşdemir said.
“Turkish children will have the opportunity to play as Turkish heroes, while players worldwide will gain a deeper understanding of Çanakkale.
“Although the war ended 111 years ago with a great Turkish victory, today these lands, under the Turkish flag, stand for peace, tranquillity, and well-being.
“We are determined to preserve this peace and safeguard the memories and heritage entrusted to us.”
Hoebe said he was proud to have worked with the directorate on the new game.
“By working together, we can help bring the history of the Gallipoli Front to a much wider audience and encourage a deeper understanding of the battles and the people who shaped this important chapter of history,” he said.
“For us, it is meaningful recognition of how games can serve as a powerful medium for engaging new audiences with historical heritage.“