Mexican mayor slams GRAW2

Mayor of border town Juárez says new Ubisoft shooter instills poor values and portrays his city as violent.

The line between the real world and a digital world based on the real world is becoming more and more blurred as next-gen systems and high-end PCs crank out sophisticated graphics and physics. Storytelling in games is also getting more realistic, and for shooters set during modern times, that can mean some ruffled feathers.

The mayor of Mexican border town Juárez, Héctor Murguía Lardizábal, has condemned Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 and is asking Mexican federal authorities to act immediately to get the game out of children's reach, reports the El Paso Times. Lardizábal believes the game paints a negative picture of his city and encourages tension between the United States and Mexico.

The city of Juárez in GRAW2.

Set in Juárez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, GRAW2 sees an elite combat unit battling Mexican rebels in the year 2014. Lardizábal sees the game as a criminal act against the intellectual capacity of the people of Juárez, whereas Ubisoft sees the game as a fictional story, according to the paper.

The Tom Clancy games, which include the Rainbow Six and Splinter Cell series, have upset government officials before. 2004's Ghost Recon 2 drew harsh words from the North Korean government, and closer to home, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas upset Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman, who said the game could be "economically harmful" to his city.

Whereas Lardizábal waited until the day of GRAW2's release to voice his protest, Venezuelan legislator Gabriela Ramirez spoke out against Pandemic Studios' upcoming Mercenaries 2: World in Flames way back in May 2006. Ramirez said the game, set in Venezuela with the object of taking on a "power hungry tyrant," was "a justification for an imperial aggression."

Ubisoft was not immediately available for comment.

Rated T for Teen, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 is now available for the Xbox 360 and PC and will be released on the PC, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Portable later this year. For more information, read the review of the Xbox 360 version.

820 Comments

  • Kaihato

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 2:12 pm PT

    Lordblakjak, I have to agree.

    I bet the USA Government would immediately take major action to butt hurt the company who made such a game. LOL

  • Beeker1

    Posted Jul 9, 2007 11:22 am PT

    I really don't care because I am not from Mexico or America still the Mayor is giving of about nothing

  • Trathen

    Posted Mar 29, 2007 5:48 pm PT

    he should be thankful that they don't make a GTA game based on his city. IF they did then people would really hate his city.

  • alpriego76

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 10:44 am PT

    Anyone who know a little bit about marketing knows that it doesnt matter whether it's good or bad talk about a product. It's still advertising a product and I bet Ubisoft is very happy with all the talk this game is causing. In the end, this is just a game. It is no different than a movie - those take place in other countries all the itme and show Americans shooting everyone and I don't see anyone complaining there. A movie has more media exposure than a game, yet look at this madness over a little game that no one will remember a year from now!

  • Lordblakjak

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 8:36 am PT

    I hope the Mayor is happy, now idiots have more reason to get at the Mexicans
    ....
    The people who give the idiots the excuse are as bad as the idiots themselves.

  • doktron

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 4:51 am PT

    Mexico is a pathetically corrupt country and I wouldnt listen to anything they say until they get their act together.They deserve their pathetic reputation. They have blamed canadians for murdering canadian tourists that theiir own people have commited in order to protect their tourist industry!

  • EMAN2g

    Posted Mar 25, 2007 5:32 pm PT

    ..lol PS3 lol

  • poromenos

    Posted Mar 24, 2007 7:09 pm PT

    I would like to see a game that you are a terrorist and kill Americans....
    i wonder how USA would react to such a game.

  • MyDamnUsername

    Posted Mar 24, 2007 2:47 pm PT

    This is probably the one and only times in our lives we will ever consider the mayor of Juarez. Absolutely no one will remember this story in a couple months.

  • Destiny_Hero

    Posted Mar 24, 2007 11:33 am PT

    GO AMERICA!!!!!!!!

  • ssh83

    Posted Mar 24, 2007 10:13 am PT

    LoL. Lordblakjak. Everyone hates Americans because Americans aren't respectful of other countries? So why doesn't Americans hate all other countries since none of them are respectful of Americans? Also, when you think of something bad about Americans, don't stop there, also ask yourself, did any country "around the world" also did the same yet they're not hated? Why is America always in the center of the spotlight? Other countries do worse things on a weekly basis. Genocide, slavery, rampant coal burning, neuclear weapon testing, and much more. Yet they always focus on the little things from America? Why?

  • Lordblakjak

    Posted Mar 24, 2007 7:02 am PT

    djord02 what are you saying about Iran and North Korea? Are you saying that Mexico are better than them, because they speak Spanish, or becuase they are your neighbours? Anyone who wonders why America is now one of the most hated countries in the world, take djord02 as an example

  • Lordblakjak

    Posted Mar 24, 2007 6:40 am PT

    How come when a movie depicts a town like Las Vegas in the same way as a game, the mayor is happy because it gives the city good publicity, but when it is a game, it could *harm the city economically*
    That mexican mayor is just trying to cause a stir, the town being portrayed in a game is probably the only interesting thing that has happened in a decade, or he just wants and excuse to get at the Americans
    Like everyone else does nowadays. (But with good reason)

  • SolInvictus-HGG

    Posted Mar 23, 2007 8:09 pm PT

    They can cry more.

  • DoctorFu

    Posted Mar 23, 2007 6:24 pm PT

    djord02:
    Maybe they were trying something new and something that wouldn't stir up major conflict. They are a business and have investments you know. The less risk the better these days in the video game making world.

  • wonkisjones

    Posted Mar 21, 2007 11:16 am PT

    latinking530: you should be more respectful

  • bored_gamer

    Posted Mar 16, 2007 7:34 pm PT

    Personally, I think that this Mexican mayor is dumb. and I'm Mexican myself. I live in USA though. It's just a game that takes place near the US and Mexican border. Just as long as it isn't killing people crossing the border, then I would want to have it. (I don't even have the first GRAW but I DID want it) GRAW took place in Mexico City and I was okay with it. Like I said I'm a Mexican myself and it's bull what the mayor there did. I bet mexicans there want to play it

  • halo2sfcmike

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 2:25 pm PT

    okay? its just a game people and besides Ubisoft games ARE DA BEST!!!!!!!!!!! SO QUIT HATING!!!

  • djord02

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 11:44 am PT

    It's a great game and all, but I always thought it was strange that the game puts you in control of U.S. special forces soldiers and rewards you for shooting our Spanish-speaking southern neighbors. Seems like Iraq or North Korea would be a more fitting setting.

  • latinking530

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 4:24 am PT

    whocares what mexicans think

  • RVD61903

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 1:17 pm PT

    i cant wait for this game to come out for the ps3

  • steiner666

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:52 am PT

    "History is the polemics of the victors" - Wm. F Buckley, Jr

    "History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon" (History is written by the winners) - Napoleon

  • JollyJake

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:19 am PT

    I like Chicken!

  • m0thr4

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 6:18 am PT

    Picking up on one of the first points in this thread, it would be nice to see some games in which US soldiers are the bad guys, just to redress the current imbalance in our games and also to reflect more accurately what most people in the world feel about US soldiers right now.

  • tsb247

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:53 am PT

    I don't know what I am talking about? Does September 16, 1821 ring any bells? As I recall, that day marks the Mexican defeat of the Spanish, and was the beginning of Mexican independance from Spain. Look it up in just about any history book. I'm talking about sovereign nations and international borders... Not geneology. It was inevitable that the European powers would populate the western side of the globe. They had the technology to do so, and they used it to full effect. It would have happened no matter what... It was just a matter of time. As far as the, "Indians," go... Yes, they got a raw deal. So did the ones in the U.S. and Canada. There's no denying that. It's a sad fact of life, but holding on to bitterness over events that took place over a hundred years ago won't change anything, and it certainly won't change the borders.

  • azplayer

    Posted Mar 13, 2007 3:39 pm PT

    tsb247 you know nothing about history, you are all wrong my ignorant friend. Do you really think that mexicans took mexico away from Spain.......LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!. Heres a little lesson, Mexico was once all indian populated, but them Germans, Spaniards, Irish, and other countries I don't feel like mentioning came over to mexico and took over land, when for example a spaniard was to married, he or she would travel back to their home land, but some enough people started having sex with indians and so on and so on..........mexicans where born. Why do your think alot of people from Chihuahua, Mexico are blond hair blue eyed, and in Sinaloa, Mexico people are much darker. So get your facts straight and make sure you know what your talking about next time.

  • eminemmosh

    Posted Mar 13, 2007 1:03 pm PT

    tsb247 you're totally right, history happened the way it happened but history can always be changed. and stop saying that the "USSA" bought portions from mexico, it wasn't even California nor Arizona, the whole disambiguation strted in texas, does "remember the alamo" ring any bells? i think you should work on your geography, that's when Zachary Taylor the 12th president of the "USSA" offered 20 million dollars to the mexican gov't (just for texas) which mexico did not accept FYI and that's what basically started the Mexican-American War which they won fair and square but why whould the "USSA" take california as well? which was then devied into what is today NV, UT, CO, AZ, and NM. There you go now you know some facts and some real history, but since you have a closed mind and a lack of intelligence you're gonna believe what your absurd parent have already taught you, but don't worry im gonna once again back up my facts with a well-known website. just go to wikipedia.com and type Mexican-American War and enlight yourself. And please keep France out of this. anyways whatever you say is your opinion and your're entitled to it

    Peace out till 2012

  • eminemmosh

    Posted Mar 13, 2007 1:02 pm PT

    tsb247 you're totally right, history happened the way it happened but history can always be changed. and stop saying that the "USSA" bought portions from mexico, it wasn't even California nor Arizona, the whole disambiguation strted in texas, does "remember the alamo" ring any bells? i think you should work on your geography, that's when Zachary Taylor the 12th president of the "USSA" offered 20 million dollars to the mexican gov't (just for texas) which mexico did not accept FYI and that's what basically started the Mexican-American War which they won fair and square but why whould the "USSA" take california as well? which was then devied into what is today NV, UT, CO, AZ, and NM. There you go now you know some facts and some real history, but since you have a closed mind and a lack of intelligence you're gonna believe what your absurd parent have already taught you, but don't worry im gonna once again back up my facts with a well-known website. just go to wikipedia.com and type Mexican-American War and enlight yourself. And please keep France out of this. anyways whatever you say is your opinion and your're entitled to it

    Peace out till 2012

  • Chitown_lova

    Posted Mar 13, 2007 7:19 am PT

    This is classic: "Lardizábal sees the game as a criminal act against the intellectual capacity of the people of Juárez, "

    No the real criminal act against the intellect of Juarez is that you are their mayor. IT'S FICTION! Period. And the rebels aren't even from Juarez they are just using it as a staging point for an attack in America. Now that the world knows that there IS a mayor of Juarez, you've gotten your 15 minutes of fame...now crawl back in your hole and try to figure out how to do something good for your citizens...like maybe find an uncontaminated water supply.

  • tsb247

    Posted Mar 13, 2007 7:19 am PT

    @eminemmosh ---> It sounds like someone can't handle the truth. History happened the way it happened, and you can't seem to accept that. Yes, The Americans did indeed win a war, and we did indeed buy portions of Mexico for our own use (such as California and parts of Arizona). So What are you trying to say? Are you saying that Mexico can just change its mind and say that those purchases and that war never happened, and all changes of boarders are now null and void because if that's the case, then you are obviously the ignorant one, and I am sure that Mexico would look just wonderful to the rest of the world if they were to just go back on some land purchase deals (although it wouldn't surprise me). You don't see France complaining and whining about the Louisiana Purchase do you? You are only demonstrating that you cannot accept the way the history unfolded, and you will also notice that I was able to back up my argument with some facts, while you just ramble and spout complete nonsense. You seem to be speaking from the point of view of an indoctrinated Mexican nationalist with little to no education. I would be more inclined to have a civilized debate with you if you would try supporting your arguments with some facts. One thing is certain though and that is that the U.S. doesn't belong Mexico, and it never will. Why don't you try invading Guatemala or Honduras instead... They're an easier target.

  • darkdragonmage9

    Posted Mar 13, 2007 4:07 am PT

    trystkl1826 18 is the limit of control you have for the most part some 30 year olds i know arn't mature enough for these games but they are old enough to make there own mistakes it's the parents job to make sure there kids are under control wich end at 18

  • trystkl1826

    Posted Mar 13, 2007 12:45 am PT

    At what age, do you guys think, people should be before they play this game. It is not just an age factor but also a maturity factor. There are plenty of 18+ year olds that should not play this game.

  • MattMyers_5

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 11:02 pm PT

    @eminemmosh. dude you keep writing the same stuff

    Maybe the mayor is afraid if people see this game they might realize how rough it is in Juarez, and because the game makes it seem posible start a rebelion for real. If it was the soviets complaining thats what people would say. I wonder where it is worse to live? the former soviet union vs mexico.

  • eminemmosh

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 10:16 pm PT

    PacoL250 & tsb247 you're blinded by your own ignorance. but DON'T WORRY! the truth shall let you free, and stop with the history lessons, i know my own history but congratulation you brought up my point with your crappy history lesson in which you mentioned four european countries including "The United Stolen States of America" and all of these countries are from europe which means they immigrated from europe with their diseases to kill, steal, and yes you're right " to change boundries"
    I think you oughta do your own research instead of believing what other people wants you to believe. there's a huge difference between knowing what others know and knowing what you can learn, you better learn that my ignorant friend before posting your illitirate mind. Well give it some thought. Peace out till 2012

  • PacoL250

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 6:26 pm PT

    @eminemmosh: You're joking right? Then again, I don't need to say anything since you're probably not going to listen with that that attitude of yours. But yet again, tsb247 just pretty much spanked you with a history lesson.

    Now that, my fellow gamers, is called ownage. Pure and simple

    The only part of the Mayor's argument that holds any water is the part that children shouldn't be playing this game. Regardless of his reasoning behind it, that idea by itself is fine.

    Sure there are underlying issues here that he's trying to get at (e.g. some kid who somehow gets his hand on this game may start fostering ideas that all Mexicans are bad people, etc.), but said issues are meant to be handled usually by responsible parenting anyway. So a 12 year old playing this has nothing to do with American-Mexican politics; it's a social responsibility issue, plain and simple.

    Bottom line: the mayor wanted some media attention and he got it. Oh, and get a grip people, this is a game. Most people get that (keyword: most).

  • tsb247

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 6:05 pm PT

    @eminemmosh ---> Stole 7 states? Hmmm... As I recall there was a purchase or two in there (Gadsden Purchase for one), and then there was the American war with Mexico in the mid to 1800s. So let's see... Territory gained from Mexico by the U.S. was either bought or conquered. Historically, that's a fair and square way to gain territory. Or maybe you would rather every country that ever took land from someone else just give it back because it was stolen. If that were the case, then maybe Spain should get Mexico back, and then maybe Spain should give it back to the natives because that's where it came from to begin with. Maybe Canada should go back to the British and French, and Maybe the entire American midwest should go back to the French as well. While we're at it, we can just go ahead and give Portugal back their 30% or so of the globe that they owned at one time too! So quit spouting that, "Stolen," crap. It's called war. It changes boundaries. As for the purchases... If the leadership at the time was dumb enough to accept such small amounts of money for that land, then that's their own fault.

  • Roma_Victis

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 5:55 pm PT

    im mexican, this is a good game, and they are US special forces against rebels, not a invation force trying to conquer mexico

  • eminemmosh

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 5:30 pm PT

    Well given the fact that the "United Stolen States of America" stole 7 states from mexico, so what can mexico say about an offensive videogame, right?
    Well give it some thought. Peace out till 2012

  • steiner666

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 4:39 pm PT

    Ubisoft are unavailable for comment at the moment because they are too busy in the Jaccuzi with Hector (a member of the Paso Del Notre Group) drinking wine together from their French vineyard and laughing all the way to the bank (of El Paso) at their latest marketing gimmick.. LOL!

    Wake up, people. if lawyers like Jack Thompson can stir up incredible new interest in a videogame by making "crazy" statements (who is a SHAREHOLDER in Take Two Interactive by the way), then there's no reason Senor Lardizabal can't jump on the bandwagon and make a few pesos in the process - AND stir up a little political hatred on the border in the bargain too (divide and conquer/order out of chaos). Bonus! Props to the shrewd Ubisoft sales team!

    Take it easy, gringo's

  • darkdragonmage9

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 3:04 pm PT

    you know has anyone even relised this isn't even a american game it was made by the french that kinda makes all the arguement in here look stupid

    @fartgorilla i see your point a well written one at that you most have went to a far better school them me but thats a hole nother subject

    i was just wondering how anyone couldn't think bush wasn't an idiot

  • 100000

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 2:53 pm PT

    Look, the whole thing is Bull.

    Mayor slamming this game = bull.
    Mexico better than US = bull.
    Terrorist operations in Mexico = bull.
    Lopez Obrador = double bull. This guy should be exiled from Mexico for his baby fits.

    ITS
    JUST
    FICTIONAL.

    THE
    WHOLE
    THING
    IS
    BULL.

    Get over it.

  • ibsrfn

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 2:24 pm PT

    i agree with nesto423...could not have put it better or more simple than that

  • awarriorofgamin

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 2:24 pm PT

    damn its just a game what does it matter and how does it promote tension i could give a damn less bout mexico no offense to mexican ppl

  • JollyJake

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 1:26 pm PT

    Yeah - Personally, I don't mind the illegal immigrants who come to work... But the ones who come over and kill American citizens and the gangs like MS-13 (I think). It makes me so mad. I would like to see MS-13 deported. That would be a great start! Gangs have got to go!

  • earlthecannibal

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 12:30 pm PT

    The USA is the best place to live...everyone wants a piece of my country lets think about this... you could live in a cave/hut and work for $1.00 per Hr or come to America and be with all the cool people that made this place great to begin with and make more money than you ever thought possible? not a difficult question is it? ITS A FREE RIDE FOR all other country's to come here, Im ok with it for now i guess, we will allow you live here if you pull your own weight. But please just say thank you to those people that made this such a great place to live

  • wis3boi

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 12:01 pm PT

    this is why i hate people politicians and many adults cannot separate what is real and what is fake. I'm surprised the "president" or "Prime Minister" of Germany hasn't tried to take all WWII games off the market for portraying Germans as Nazis, but this may be the fact that he has at least half a brain to realize it is just a simple game to relax with and enjoy, not to portray anything at all.

  • nesto423

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 11:57 am PT

    G A M E = N O T R E A L

  • KingSigy

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 11:07 am PT

    The mayor should be happy though, as the game only lasts 5 hours.

  • paradyme777

    Posted Mar 12, 2007 10:05 am PT

    First off GRAW 2 nor GRAW is set in modern times. It is 2015. That is quite a few years away. Get over it people, they are just games.

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