War Crimes and Video Games

I recently read an article from the BBC about a study on the amount of war crimes in video games and how it affects the player. The article focused on several games and studied how they treat war crimes and whether or not the characters in the game follow the Geneva Convention rules for war. And guess what, most games don't. Is it at all surprising that video games don't follow Geneva convention rules? I've played the majority of the games the have listed as part of the study and quite of few of them involve but discourage innocents being harmed in the crossfire. Many games fail the player and make them start over if several civilians are harmed. Sure it doesn't make you sit through a lengthy court martial, but there are consequences for actions. Game makers strive for realism, and what's realistic about door to door fighting in the army if it all takes place in a ghost town with no civilians to worry about?
The article mostly focuses on Modern Warfare 2 and it's controversial airport scene. I've played through the game myself and I'd like to mention some things that many media sources leave out. First of all, the game asks you if you would like to play this scene. It gives you the option to skip it entirely without participating because it may be offensive. Another important thing to mention is that the game makes it very clear that you are participating in a terrorist action. This terrorist action results in a US war with Russia in which the entirety of Washington DC is turned into a warzone. I think this makes it clear what the implications of your actions are and what results from killing innocent civilians. The a game does not reward you for killing people, it is simply part of a story line no different from an action movie or film.
I do like that the article mentions some statements by someone who is "in touch" with the gaming community. I think his words are very true when he says no one denounces books for violence or protests James Bond's shoot first, ask questions later style of conducting business. Many people target video games unfairly because of the active participation of the gamer. The fact of the matter is that video games tell a story, and many gamers would feel let down and left out if they did not get to participate in every aspect of that story.

Here is a link to the BBC article:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8373794.stm