Jack Thompson Tries to Block ‘Medal of Honor’ Game (PC Magazine)

Jack Thompson, a disbarred lawyer who has vocally decried violence in video games, said he will try to stop the release of Electronic Arts’ upcoming video game, “Medal of Honor Limited Edition”.

Thompson said he sent a letter via fax outlining his opposition to the game to Robert Gates, the U.S. Secretary of Defense. He also criticized the U.S. military who allegedly participated in the design of the game.

The new “Medal of Honor” game is scheduled to be released on Oct. 12 in North America for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. The new version will be the first time that the series has been set in modern-day Afghanistan; it previously has been limited to scenarios during World War II.

Thompson’s objection is fourfold: that the game itself used U.S. Special Operations soldiers as consultants, which would provide enemies a “powerful and useful training tool to rehearse killing our soldiers”; that the game allows players to play as the Taliban; that EA is allegedly allowing anyone to preorder the game, regardless of age; and that school massacres have been linked to “military killing simulators” like the “Medal of Honor” game.

Representatives from Electronic Arts declined to comment, and did not immediately confirm that players could play as the Taliban, a feature that has been previously confirmed to other publications.

Thompson’s letter to Gates, a copy of which was provided to PCMag.com, states in part:

“With all respect for everything else on your plate, but as someone who has represented the surviving family members of such video game-caused massacres, I personally urge you, as Secretary of Defense, to do what is necessary, proper, and legal to stop the release of Medal of Honor on October 12 on the basis that it poses a demonstrable danger to our troops by providing a training tool for those who wish to kill them.

“I would also strongly suggest that the Defense Department find out who these Special Ops people are who have acted so foolishly in this regard.

“Finally, I believe the full weight of the federal government should come down upon Electronic Arts and the video game industry’s Entertainment Software Association for their allowing, presently and fraudulently, despite promises to Congress, the widespread pre-sale of this adult game to minors throughout the country and around the world.

In an email exchange, Thompson said that he is acting on behalf of an undisclosed number of other individuals, although not as a lawyer. In September 2008, Thompson was disbarred by the Supreme Court of Florida for obstruction and submitting false evidence, among other charges.

“I’m not representing anyone as a lawyer, as I am not a lawyer,” Thompson said. “I am speaking on behalf of a number of people who believe that EA should not be selling such a game to minors, particularly one that allows one to play the role of the Taliban. Beyond that, I am not presently authorized to identify anyone. That may change in a day or two. I intend to stop the release of the game.”

While it is unknown how Gates will respond, his counterpart in the United Kingdom has already criticized the game. Liam Fox, the U.K. defense minister, said that the he was “disgusted and angry” that EA would allow players to take on the role of the Taliban.

“It’s shocking that someone would think it acceptable to recreate the acts of the Taliban. At the hands of the Taliban, children have lost fathers and wives have lost husbands. I am disgusted and angry. It’s hard to believe any citizen of our country would wish to buy such a thoroughly un-British game. I would urge retailers to show their support for our armed forces and ban this tasteless product.”

Thompson made headlines in 2005 after he appeared on “60 Minutes” and called video game series “Grand Theft Auto” a “murder stimulator.” Thompson was being interviewed about Devin Moore, who murdered three men and later referenced video games in his confession. “But for the video-game training, he would not have done what he did,” Thompson said of Moore at the time.

Soon after his appearance, Thompson said he started receiving threats online, over the phone, and in person. One teenager was jailed after calling Thompson’s home and threatening to kill and castrate him.

According to court documents filed with a Florida district court, Thompson in Sept. 2009 became aware of anti-Jack Thompson groups on Facebook, like “Jack Thompson should be removed from the populace” and “Jack Thompson should be smacked across the face with an Atari 2600.” He later sued Facebook.

Thompson withdrew his suit in Nov. 2009. “Defendant Facebook has finally removed from its Web site, after months of plaintiff’s asking, the illegal material targeting Thompson for criminal harassment, including death,” Thompson wrote. “Facebook recklessly and illegally refuted it, in contravention of its own “Terms of Use” to remove this terror material prior to the filing of this lawsuit. If it happens again, this action will be refiled.”

Additional reporting by Chloe Albanesius.