Episode 22: Video Game War Crimes

JoshVideo GamesCulture / Holidays"Geeks Games & General Mayhem"International Relations2025Season 2
Written By Kara Nyhan

It’s Not What You Think

Part 1 of Our Mini-Series “Geeks, Games, & General Mayhem”

Episode Transcripts

You might think this episode is about first- or third-person shooter games. Ya know, all that conversation about video games making kids violent. The general genocides that happen in many a game. But you would be wrong! Follow along on this minisode as we detail the real war crime that video game producers have been getting in trouble over for years!

Discussion Includes:

  • Prison Architect

  • Doom

  • Halo

  • Stardew Valley

  • The Red Cross

©Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

Images:

References:

  • Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III). Geneva, 10 October 1980. International Humanitarian Law Database. (n.d.). https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/ccw-protocol-iii-1980 

  • Rule 115. Disposal of the Dead. International Humanitarian Law Database. (n.d.-b). https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/customary-ihl/v1/rule115 

  • Practice relating to Rule 113. Treatment of the Dead. International Humanitarian Law Database. (n.d.-a). https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/customary-ihl/v2/rule113 

  • Wolens, J. (2023, February 2). That time among US accidentally violated the Geneva Conventions. PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/that-time-among-us-accidentally-violated-the-geneva-conventions/ 

  • Petite, S. (2017, January 17). Games that use a Red Cross to denote health violate the Geneva Conventions. Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/video-game-red-cross-health-pack-emblem/ 

  • Messner, S. (2017, January 16). How the prison architect developers broke the Geneva Conventions. PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/how-the-prison-architect-developers-broke-the-geneva-conventions/ 

  • Gilbert, J. (2023, February 9). Stardew Valley Geneva Convention: How did it violate with red crosses?. GameRevolution. https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/934529-stardew-valley-geneva-convention-how-did-it-violate-with-red-crosses 

  • The Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. (n.d.). https://www.icrc.org/sites/default/files/external/doc/en/assets/files/publications/icrc-002-0173.pdf 

  • Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 ... (n.d.-a). https://www.icrc.org/sites/default/files/external/doc/en/assets/files/other/icrc_002_0321.pdf 

  • Colombia, misuse of the emblem. Colombia, Misuse of the Emblem | How does law protect in war? - Online casebook. (n.d.). https://casebook.icrc.org/case-study/colombia-misuse-emblem 

  • Halopedia. (2025, March 20). Halopedia. Visit the main page. https://www.halopedia.org/ 

  • Stardew Valley Wiki. (2024, December 8). Harvey’s Clinic. https://stardewvalleywiki.com/Harvey’s_Clinic

Kara Nyhan

I am a graphic designer, film producing & director, and small business entrepreneur. My work focus is on creative and arts organizations and individuals, helping to create graphics, marketing materials, branding, and websites that fit their needs. I have a B.A. in Graphic Design and a M.B.A with a focus in entrepreneurship. Currently, I do business as Lore Art & Design.

https://www.lore-art-design.com
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