In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a new method of informing Russian gamers about the events taking place in Ukraine has emerged – through the online video game, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
Journalists have found a way to reach a younger Russian audience who may not be interested in traditional news sources. By using CS:GO, a game that has a massive following in Russia, they are able to inform players about the current events in Ukraine and the political implications of the incident.
In CS:GO, players are divided into two teams: terrorists and counter-terrorists. The game is played on maps of various real-life locations, including Ukraine. Some of these maps depict areas where the conflict is taking place in real life, such as the “Mirage” map which is set in a Middle Eastern town. Journalists use this map to explain the situation in Ukraine and how it relates to the game.
Through the use of voice chats and in-game dialogue, journalists and players engage in discussions that highlight the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Discussions cover topics such as the economic impact of the crisis, the role of the media in covering the war, and the overall impact on the geopolitics of Eastern Europe.
This new method of informing the Russian youth about the situation in Ukraine is a promising development. Many young people are unaware of the situation and are not interested in traditional news sources. By reaching out to them in a medium they enjoy.
