Are video games or films better at depicting war?

Guardian writes: "Patrick Hennessy, former soldier, and Miguel Sicart, video games expert, consider which medium best evokes the experience of battle."

[Hellsvacancy]

Books>>>Films>> >Games (yep, i read books)

[TronEOL]

This is exactly how I see it too.

[Non_sequitur]

I recommend 'A Rumor of War'. It's a great read on the Vietnam War.

[dangert12]

COD i never been to war but i know if you get shot you can run round the corner at full speed just like cod lol

[metsgaming]

Films obviously

[UKdoaney]

I would say films because they depict a more realistic vision of war, whereas games are designed for you to enjoy and have fun with therefore removing how realistic it could be.

[Psychotica]

Films. The opening scene of Saving Private Ryan is a good example. Video games won't show someone carrying their own arm after it got blown off.

[spektical]

a book cant describe everything, and this is what came up to mind instantly. I dont think theres another war movie that accurately depicts war. Its a mess, its chaotic and its very bloody.

[spektical]

i would put a couple games at the top two bad company and socom.

Bad Company because its pretty chaotic when ur trying to take the last crate.

Socom because it more or less depicts a representation of US and other armies tactics.

THe one flaw with these games , is of course that you can respawn, and u heal incredibly fast.

[Cyrus365]

Game writing has a long ways to go to catch to film writing, or books. For example Gears of War may be an excellent game, but it's writing in comparison is crap.

[gcolley]

excellent question. i would say film... for now

[Cyrus365]

Yup, you gotta remember films and by extension operas/plays have been around for hundreds of years... Video games in comparison, has had a way shorter time frame as time goes on, it's writing should/will catch up, as consumers will demand more.