'Arma 3' Gameplay News: Upcoming DLC's Rules are Based on Geneva Convention; Focuses on Non-Combatants' Perspective
The newest downloadable content pack for the open world, military tactical shooter game "Arma 3" is titled "Laws of War" for a specific reason – it embraces the war-related documents produced by the Geneva Convention.
In the real world, the treaties signed at the Geneva Convention set some of the parameters to protect human rights, both of civilians and combatants, even at a time of war.
Game developer Bohemian Interactive has primarily set rules in "Arma 3: Laws of War" DLC based on these treaties that aim to "preserve human dignity in armed conflict," as explained by project lead Joris-Jan Van 'T Land in a Developers Diary video.
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He added: "The primary goal is to protect those who are vulnerable such as civilians, also others who can no longer participate directly in hostilities."
One of the manifestations of adapting Geneva Convention policies in the game is the addition of the fictional non-government organization called the International Development & Aid Project – a faction focused on humanitarian works during war.
In the same Developers Diary video, creative director Jay Crowe further explained how "Arma 3: Laws of War" should be played: "It comes down to just a few basic rules of combat and the first is maybe the most obvious: Only engage combatants or fighters."
He added: "Secondly, don't attack anything other than military targets which means that places like hospitals and schools are typically off limits. Thirdly, spare civilians and respect their property. And finally, armed forces should limit destruction to what military necessity requires."
Since the IDAP functions differently from the combatant troops, the DLC pack comes with new clothing, gears, tools, vehicles and drones that are specifically designed to aid in IDAP's humanitarian works.
The newest DLC also comes with the "Remnants of War" minigame where players will assume the character of IDAP's Nathan MacDade – an expert on explosives – with the goal of identifying active mines in the Republic of Altis & Stratis and diffuse them after the war.
The "Laws of War" pack is a paid DLC that is now out for players with the base title "Arma 3."
