Staticneuron | Staticneuron

• 11:48am BST - April 11th, 2008
• 1

He has a point. It is not specifically saying the game or its creators are racist. I don't believe they are but while I have no problems playing RE5 I am sure it would give some people bad impressions.

I like how he presented his arguement because if he were to go about the plain scenario i would have ignored it because I am sure he didn't rais a fuss about part 4 but highlighting the imagery evoked makes sense because there wasn't any within spain.

One has to step back and think about the real issues though. It is not entirely what the game is offering but how it is percieved. I am pretty sure there are going to be many countries in which the people will not bat an eye at this. but the history of england and america leaves bad memory.

Turbo Teddy | Turbo_Teddy

• 11:59am BST - April 11th, 2008
• 2

I got this from what the creator is saying in a interview. He saids that is going down in Africa because its the place where all mankind have it origins. And therefore the viral origin.

AclayPS3

• 12:00pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 3

Well, I've heard  something like this before about Resident Evil 5 and it being "racist" because you are killing Black Zombies in the game. But, it's just a video game though. Capcom might have to be careful with making Resident Evil 5... if Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson get's a call about this, I'm pretty sure that Resident Evil 5 may NEVER be released or it will be delayed until something in the game changes. And if Hillary Clinton gets elected president, there may be no more video games.

 

And about Resident Evil 5's release date being late 2008, the last time I checked, Resident Evil 5 was scheduled for a 2009 release.

Orbilator | Orbilator

• 12:03pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 4

Without wanting to start a race war, far from it, it is yet again the race card taken to far. Whilst I do Agree that you have to be careful with what you put out these days, I only agree because of the pressure we are under not to offend anyone. This sort of conversation should not arise about any type of game and only does so because of people being very narrow minded. Its seems to me the only people in the world that are allowed to be catagorised as r@cist are us, when indeed most people with common sense will tell you its far from the case. It is however how the press sees it, and it saddens me terribly. 

ryanmormon

• 12:04pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 5

people will look for anything to get offended about.  The last resident evil had people speaking spanish, OMG!  Things that are going on in certain parts of africa are crazy; blood diamond, lord of war, its not fake.  They're taking that, and implimenting it into a video game.  Look at grand theft auto, we went from pacman to prostitution, killing, drugs, and porn in 15 years.  How come people arent talking about that?  That seems almost as offensive as a bunch of black zombies in a third world country! : 0  

Keep working on that game and don't change a thing capcom, people are ignorant, and offend easily.

Stevo_ya_bass | Manny_Ray

• 12:05pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 6

This is stupid?

REFLEX | REFLEX

• 12:06pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 7

Not this CRAP again........ this is total BS. So what about the other game with all white people? So I guess "no white person" must have made that game? Its racist towards white people by this definition of "racism". People need to get a life, want them to throw in some white people to make you feel more comfortable? Does this damage your delicate sense of morality? GIVE ME A BREAK.

Neameto | Neameto

• 12:08pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 8

Racism is when people argue about black and white over nothing! There´s no wrong in GTA san andreas black character killing white people! No one raised that point! People need to see races as they are! THEY ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS!!! NO more, no less.

When they see a caucasian person killing a black person they instinctly say RACISM. The other way around is generally ´´just`` homicide and not White kills Black. People, open your eyes. For me, that trailer is just about a good guy killing bad guys, no more.

In order to make U wonder, Im caucasian! Should I be insulted for the ´´white`` zombies in previous REs?

DarkJ3JB | DarkJ3JB

• 12:13pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 9

I think its pretty stupid that people are saying its rasist.  But I guess it makes them happy.

 

PSN: DarkJ3JB

Die-romantic | Demon_King

• 12:21pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 10

Could Resident Evil 5 been better if it was a Playstation 3 exclusive

lightcloud | lightcloud

• 12:26pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 11

the majority of bad guys in the entire series where white, and because we take a trip to someplace in africa where the majority of the population is black the game is suddenly being called racist... how about gta san andreas where you play as the black guy, you go around slaughtering white people yet no one complains. its only  a game get over it and enjoy it, wont do that? then dont play it.

nextgenfan

• 12:29pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 12

I don't think they are racist..i mean come on if the virus has spreaded to africa or what not just because the ememies are black don't mean anything.the virus does not pick and choose it just acts to who ever it touches.Plus Africa's population is almost all black so....if you was to go to africa black people would be there.RE creators and writers had the game set in different locations thru the years,united states,europe...and africa was just the next location..SO everyone stop it nobody's the game and creators are not racist..africa is just the next location.jeez...

fkPS3

• 12:30pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 13

Hmmm I don't condone racism at all, but that's when I see it. In this case, isn't it racist to say that this game is being racist? You want someone to pat you on the back and say, 'Wow. Good job bringing that to the forefront. You're a real humanitarian.' I don't know where the game is supposed to take place, but, if it's supposed to be in Africa, well I hate to break it to you, there are a lot of black people there. Why weren't you complaining that RE4 was racist killing all those white people? The only way that this could be considered bad would be if people purchased it just for the fact that it's a white guy shooting up a black area. But that's not going to be the case. The RE series is a classic and it will be picked up because of it's great game play. If people can't let things like games and cartoons be, and take them for what they are, then we're in bigger trouble than we think.

Xdeth | Xdeth

• 12:35pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 14

 Are you fing serious? I play video games to escape from all this bs. And now some jacka** reporter wants to speculate the game painting a picture of racism? People wake the F*** up.! This stuff only goes on because you allow it to.  Would it honestly matter if it was a black guy in america shooting white people? Do you think someone would cry racism then? Its a game about zombies and an evil corp... get over it.

Grifindell

• 12:44pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 15

Guys! I live in what you might call a small country in Central America, and we are indeed. People around the world always complained, about stuff like, why the heck all good movies and books and videogames always happen in the US? Why the heck any other country depicted in media is usually related to poverty or drug traffic? Well I know that things changed, I know by experience and friends in the US that young people have now a more global conscience, meaning the care and learn more about other cultures and ethnics. And my point is that today’s producers try more to represent sci-fi fantasy settings that touch us all around the world in some way. Why can’t it happen in Spain? Or in Africa? It can.
I think these kind of mediocre reporters have an issue with racism, and all they get by making such statements is help feeding hate and misconceptions on people who enjoy playing games for other reasons. What about context and story, what about the long epic struggle to get the world free of the terrible menace of mutating killing viruses?

duomtl | duomtl

• 1:29pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 16

so what would it be better if everyone was white? the exact same trailer, just all the zombies are white? or better yet, it's a black guy killing black zombies, then it's ok also? this is stupid

Falanx13 | Falanx13

• 1:35pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 17

Question: If Resident Evil 4 had a black protagonist romping through Europe instead of Leon, would it have been deemed racist?

iplayonlysony

• 1:38pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 18

For the people here that seem to be missing the point that this reporter is saying, he said "The point isn't that you can't have black zombies."  The point was the imagery portrayed of the people in this trailer.

 

No matter how you put it, this trailer could appear to be offensive to some people (just like other games).  I think that is the reason for this statement.  And this is the reason that he said Capcom should consider this type of reaction after releasing this trailer. 

P.S.  All recent GTA games have also received backlash, which is the reason that some of these games have been banned in some areas.  This isn't the first and only game to get press.

haynsey

• 1:40pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 19

what a tw&t its set in Africa they aint gonna be white are they you fu*king spoon! And a virus would spread quickly AIDS virus anyone for example!!! he is the one who is racist for thinking it, it never even crossed my mind all that did was quick, zombie SHOOOOOOOOOOT!!

Solrac | Solrac7688

• 1:43pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 20

what he says is true to some extent, but also you didn't hear about people b!tching about Resident evil 4 when the villagers were hispanic, but once a game that shows blacks depicted as zombies or savages then when the racism kicks in. A game is a game and people need to just lighten up and play

Tom1525 | Tom1525

• 1:47pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 21

wow ... he has no friends....

I like the word he uses alot... imagery.... what a looser..

fanboybyrights | UNREALGOD

• 1:48pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 22

me personally dont think the game is racist at all, but there might be a few things u want to question before putting out certain content.and reason why i said that cause i had a couple of buddies that viewed it at my house and they imediately saw something wrong with it, so if they see what everyone else saw then i guess capcom should of been more careful.some people are more sensitive than others and get offended quickly,for 1 capcom are japanesse people.. why would they do that if they were suppose to be racist? dont u think it makes more sense if they should be the one who should be racist if they had put a japanesse character elimanating blacks? they just did that crap random without thinking and it got them in trouble thats all it is really. now if it was a white person that made the game of same or different content then u would have an argument, other than that the game should be realesed no matter what people think.

killzone_71 | killzone_71

• 1:53pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 23

RE2-3 was set in US... and its full of white zombies... and i play it over and over again... does that make me or the game racist?...

 

AK40rtySe7en

• 1:58pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 24

These allegations are completely rediculous and uncalled for. Something I would never expect from a veteran games analyst such as N'Gai Croal who is to no ones surprise...black. What if the protagonist was black? Would that make everything better and more comfortable for everyone? People need to quit with their sensitive bs and observe it for what it really is. A game set in Africa with no other agenda based on color.

Staticneuron | Staticneuron

• 2:24pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 25

I am afraid of everyones reading comprehension. N'gai didn't say the game was racist and what he is saying is seeming to fly over people's head. I am sure what ever issues we have about race doesn't get solved by putting your fingers in your ears and go lala la

markwesker

• 2:30pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 26

lol i thought it was black people who made this game well asian people so i doubt very much its racist and i do seem to remember that in all the other re games it was all whites that got killed but nobody said anything then.

omegamaximus | omegamaximus

• 2:31pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 27

i am black, and a black african to be precise. i live in the UK, and although i think RE5 is ok and will be purchased by me on day one, i think some people will have a problem with the game. Its a shame capcom haven't thought this through, because it will cause alot of controversy. No matter how you look at it, there are some sick people out there that will buy this game just for the fun of shooting black folks. I guess it turns some people on. And Mr Croal has a point. I never thought this game was racist until these discussions started coming up, so i went back to look at the trailer, and i suddenly realised this game will be misjudged. Especially by non-gamers.

Limanima | Limanima

• 2:41pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 28

In one simple word: ridiculous.

 

TheCh0sen01 | TheChosen01

• 2:46pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 29

You can make a story out of everything...but is it necessary to start emphaising that it might show "racism" give me a break!! Too much thought is put into it.

thegreatcity | thegreatcity

• 2:52pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 30

Anyone remember that group that was planning to sue over this game, claiming it was, in fact, racist? I sent them an e-mail a while back, professional, but critical, and never recieved one back.

 

I basically said that people need to stop looking for or claiming racism where it doesnt exist. Because in the end, it only means that, you, yourself are the one who is being racist towards yourself. Racism will never be erased from the minds of humans if rediculous claims like these continue to be made.

 

As for the article, what does he suggest Capcom do? A disclaimer at the end of the trailer that reads "Capcom respects all nationalities, and no harm is intended by this game"? It goes back to my original argument, if no racism is apparent, then no apology or otherwise needs to be made.

Paranoimia | Paranoimia

• 3:01pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 31

I read an article a while back that said there weren't enough black characters in games. Now we get a game full of them, and people are still whining! ;-p

zombieking36

• 3:06pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 32

its in haiti god bleep it! Why can noone understand this?!?!?!?!?!

shadow26 | hanzel26

• 4:57pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 33

Thanks N’Gai Croal, the magazine you publish your articles in is only reaching a majority of the population that doesn't play videogames, and who now labels resident evil 5 as "racist".

 

When did this guy grow up? He's stuck in the past. Just like obama has said, we need to look to the future. It's a different world today, leave you're victimized tendencies at the door.

 

"It would be like saying you were going to do some sort of zombie movie that appeared to be set in Europe in the 1940's with skinny, emaciated, Hasidic-looking people."
 
"If you put up that imagery people would be saying, 'Are you crazy?'

 

actually, i wouldn't say "are you crazy?", i would just play the game, its not like i'm factoring my morals into the gameplan when killing countless hoardes of zombies anyways.

ThisIsLivingB3yond | akingishere

• 5:09pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 34

I rather shoot blacks then whites , i fell this game will help me from actually doing it in real life and taking my frustration out in reality , once again games paly a big part in our lives

Gomersoul | Gomersoul

• 5:28pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 35

this game is set in africa. lets see how realistic it looks without black people. infact i might kick off because a couple of british people died in resistance. d**khead. racism is created in these situations to cause bulls**t arguments. there is absolutely no evidence of racism in resident evil. capcom wouldn't take the risk. screw this guy.

Marcelis | Marcelis

• 6:23pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 36

Well, 90% of africa was under european rule for a very, VERY long time and sadly the transition from colonialism to democracy ended up leaving most african countries in a rubbish state. They (I guess rightfully) blame europeans for not teaching them how to run their countries properly, which is why they are in the position they're in. Here in south africa, democracy came about a decade ago. However, compare it to the 50 or so years of apartheid (and a couple of centuries of general strong racism). Also, while I dont know the full details, black people all around the world have had a pretty rubbish time. So..yeah, you'll see that most black africans and black people in general are incredibly sensitive about racism.

I do not agree with the idea that the game itself is racist. What we are seeing is not a result of racism, but a result of simple common sense. However, while I do not approve of this continuing use of the racist card, for now at least, I think perhaps that black people have earned this 'right'.(Honestly, how many times in history have whites been heavily oppressed by black people?)

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that, yes, I find it rubbish to call this game racist, but in general, black people HAVE earned their right to pull the racist card. It just shouldn't be used forever. I think we shouldnt care what they call this game, as long as we all get to play it at the end of the day.

silent_assassin6

• 7:00pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 37

omg just shut up, re5 is not raceist wow whar kind of paranoid freaks do we have in this world

Shadow Dancer | Shadow_Dancer

• 7:33pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 38

I think some people need to stop making their own opinions and actually LISTEN to what he is saying. He is saying because of the historical potrayal of black people and that imagery seems to be included in the portrayal of black people in RE5. The developers may have not intended it to be this way, but that is no excuse to inform yourself of what is or isn't racist according to the community involved. It's NOT even about having black zombies, it the way those black zombies are being potrayed in a very similiar fashion to the racist imagery used in the past. This is about being cautious and respectful of others. People need to stop getting so damn defensive.

D3v1lwqer23 | Shadow_Dancer

• 8:22pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 39

Why does it gotta be black and white?  Cant they all just be people??  I mean, wtf?  They live breathe and bleed just the same, why does it gotta be black people?  Go to Africa, see how many white people you see down there.

gingo | gingo

• 8:52pm BST - April 11th, 2008
• 40

psn id: gingo... i can see where he is coming from and how it might be misinterpreted but really its just kicking a fuss up over nothing, if it was the other way about nothing would be said but because it is black characters, people feel the need to brand the game racist which is wrong

horrorist

• 3:31am BST - April 12th, 2008
• 41

he a dumbass who want to make people talk of him

so what if your black you cant be a zombie?

if zombie attack tomorrow they wont bite black people?

it would be racist of not including black people in the a zombie game or movie

they are already some famous zombie in movie who are black

this game is gonna be great and he should stop wanting to get attention to himself or go work for FOX if he want to create contreversy where there no one

TRUE_CHAOS | True_Chaos

• 3:49am BST - April 12th, 2008
• 42

stupid crap get over it retard its a game !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A game !!!!!!!!!!!!!  I will shoot them all day and you will love it

Lattz | latbou

• 9:09am BST - April 12th, 2008
• 43

But wait, isn't this game created by a bunch of Japanese folks? So they (Japanese) has a problem with zombified black people or that main character from the game is suppose to be a racist?

TOM2x

• 9:26am BST - April 12th, 2008
• 44

Hi guys! just thought I'd sound off on this glorious morning! These writers love to have a field day with anything they don't fully understand. The game takes place in Africa? And....... The same story could be interlaced into any countries ethnic makeup. Africa actually has a very fertile ground for story telling in general as was mentioned by other posters, and even if I were black I don't think I would be offended. Keep in mind that these writers also like to use terms that whip up a frenzy... but without coming out and actually saying what they mean, because that's "safe" for them and their careers. Take for example the way the writer says "The black villagers are "supposedly" infected with a virus". Supposedly????  No, They ARE infected with a virus that turns them into zombies! There's no "supposedly" here! The game is about zombies! But they use the term "Supposedly as if there is a hidden meaning here somewhere. Almost as if they would like to come out and say "The white character is just looking for a reason to kill some skinny impoverished black people, or some such ridiculous message! As if, Noooo, they don't have a disease that turns them into zombies, they're just undernourished. Also, the writer likes the term "imagery". Telling us "You people need to understand the imagery you're depicting" So, I guess before I enjoy a videogame I should first learn all I can about African culture and the imagery connected to it and how it might upset that certain demographic of what? African villagers who've been infected with a zombie causing disease created by a corporation. Yeah, well if it the writer can show me a village where this has actually happened, I'll be happy to explore the repercussions of this and why I shouldn't play the game! If people were so worried about the "Imagery" in games how about all these WW2 games that are rife with Nazi swastikas etc. By the way WW2 actually did happen, and even though the Nazis were a messed up bunch and did terrible things I don't feel that everyone from Germany is one of them! Would the writers at these certain magazines have a problem with a black American G.I. mowing down dozens of German Nazi soldiers? Probably not. All these articles tell me is that they must be having a really slow day over at Newsweek, if this crap is all they have to talk about!

MercRecon | MercRecon

• 10:32am BST - April 12th, 2008
• 45

I'm African American and I know the RE storyline so I am cool with it because I know that Capcom isn't trying to disrespect the black community. But for those who don't know the RE universe (Black and White).....oh boy!!! lol

FoRsAkEn

• 10:44am BST - April 12th, 2008
• 46

i dont under stand what if black people are in the game what will happen

MercRecon | MercRecon

• 11:02am BST - April 12th, 2008
• 47

For those of you(NOT ALL) who say that black people like to use the race card when the going gets tough really need to check this out:

1. Don't generalize because of the unproductive blacks that you've had

contact with.

2. Understand that most successful and productive blacks are low key, they don't need to make the headines like rappers and athletes.

The race card is not an option for productive blacks.....hardwork and determination is all they need.

 

Morbid_Demise | Morbid_Demise

• 1:45pm BST - April 12th, 2008
• 48

I think its funny that no one made a fus about resident evil 4, and every person who was infected and trying to kill you was in fact spanish. Noone complained about t then, noone should complain about it now. the peoplewho are complaining about resident evil 5 are people that will argue against any video game, or are just looking for something to complain about.

InfernoReaper | GrimDarkling

• 2:30pm BST - April 12th, 2008
• 49

On the flip side, it could be considered racist having only one white character in the whole game.  Seriously, everyone needs to shut their damn mouths about this game.  Ignorant bastards have no right to judge based on a trailer.  I guess it was racist as well having the main character in Dead Rising be a white guy.  Devs try for a new setting and the fvcktards sh!t all over it.  I guess we can't have Gears or Resistance either because it's unfair to think aliens might be hostile.  Give me a break dumbfvck.

Acid-Hippie2007 | Acid-Hippie2007

• 2:47pm BST - April 12th, 2008
• 50

I could give a rats a** about what these overly defensive so called argument creators think, this game is protected by FREE SPEECH and if they try to censor this game that violates the constitutional rights of many Americans.