Mexican governor orders seizure of GRAW2

El Diario reports that Chihuahua state governor orders game depicting American invasion of postrebellion Juárez confiscated.

The governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua has ordered that copies of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 be confiscated, according to a report on Spanish-language site El Diario.

Set in Juárez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, GRAW2 follows an elite combat unit battling Mexican rebels in the year 2014. Earlier this month, the mayor of Juárez, a city in Chihuahua on the Mexican-American border, criticized the game sharply, saying it instilled poor values and portrayed his town's people as violent.

According to the report, Chihuahua Governor José Reyes Baeza Terrazas considers the game an insult not only to the city of Juárez, but to the entire country. Currently, authorities are gathering information on where the game is being sold, reproduced, and distributed in preparation for a seizure campaign, El Diario reported.

As of press time, an Ubisoft representative had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment.

1236 Comments

  • jthmbond

    Posted Oct 13, 2007 7:39 pm PT

    I'm an American, and I would enjoy a video game in which the bad guys are Americans. Wait, do I recall something called Civilization3? Damn you, Abraham Lincoln, damn you and all your back-stabbing modern armor! The Hun will rise again!
    Btw, instead of just saying "omg, killing mexicans!" maybe you should pay attention to the plot. The mexicans you engage are those who actively rebelled against not only their government, but also against all chances of stability in the region. Regardless of their nationalism, they would sacrifice a city safe for children to live in (many of the levels show playgrounds and such) in the name of "wtf? americans giving us tanks?! we don't need your charity!"

  • Tennorius

    Posted Oct 3, 2007 12:07 am PT

    I´m from Mexico and i really enjoy GRAW1, it´s funny 2 see the mexico city in a videogame, but i agree with some of the posts, why gringos think they r the heroes and the good ones??? The governor needs 2 get 2 work, and less freetime 2 play videogames. Let the gamers be gamers but don´t worry Governor, in the part 3 we won. LOL

  • Alterac_Barry

    Posted Sep 21, 2007 1:23 pm PT

    lol must be difficult for French developers to come up with the usual American Action film-style game. And I thought GRAW 1 was in 2021.

  • Dadriverman

    Posted Aug 4, 2007 2:26 am PT

    What he needs to do is take care of the people and give them
    what they need.
    Better jobs,homes, better smarter government.
    Keep your priority's strait.
    Let the people decide what they want and don't want.
    This governor is an embarrassment to Mexico.
    I was born in Mexico but raised here in the states.

  • sa_mccormick

    Posted Aug 4, 2007 2:02 am PT

    Why does 'American = Good; any other country = Villain' in every shooter that is available? Is it any wonder why other countries get narked when faced with this stereotype all the time?!?

  • stheelders

    Posted Jul 27, 2007 4:49 am PT

    Finally. I thought Mexicans didn't have it in them. And to the Americans who don't see any harm in calling Mexicans terrorists and killing thousands of them in a game: Let's release a game which in reverse is about Mexicans slaughtering Americans. Then I might see some of you crying and saying things like "it's unfair". I'll say something like "For God's sake, it's just a videogame. It's not like killing real people. Grow up!!". Do you see the dilemma here?

  • Beeker1

    Posted Jul 9, 2007 11:30 am PT

    O My God! The Mexican Government are baby's it is just a game who cares Then Y do they not give of about Rainbow Six Vegas Mexico attacks well Vegas!

  • simsalisivan

    Posted Jun 9, 2007 7:54 pm PT

    now what the hell would Iraq say about all the games that has Iraq as it's setting?
    Relax Mexico it's only a game.

  • shynethabones

    Posted May 15, 2007 1:07 pm PT

    Quite frankly, I DON'T CARE!!!, the are more important issues in the world right now, and this no way near a priority. You are not the only ones in the world. Stuff happens DEAL WITH IT!!!

  • mp503

    Posted Apr 21, 2007 10:10 am PT

    this game is a good game and should be revolked but tthe governer of mexico cant do a thing about it so we dont realy have to worry and i live in El Paso texas next to fort bliss adn i think the sicnereio the game is based will never become true but the devolpers got the kinda right to El Paso but it is WAY OFF to what el paso looks like

  • can0of0cheese

    Posted Apr 16, 2007 12:55 pm PT

    The real scope is that he is afraid becouse in graw 2 the people revolt against his corrupt regim. Which is in fact corrupt with massmurders and the like. He creates a charad of nationalism becouse he wants to direkt the focusing light away from his city.

    Sry for the poor writting i am doing a report on this right now and is a bit stressed at the moment. Yea and english is my second language.

  • mypassis666

    Posted Apr 13, 2007 9:05 pm PT

    zintarr: Well Ive never seen the US do something usefull to other country without getting criticized from other countries... you all think your the only ones in this world.

  • billandbull

    Posted Apr 9, 2007 12:26 pm PT

    zintarr, you mashforbrainst: they don't steal jobs, americans don't want those jobs and at the salaries employers are willing to pay and without the so-called illegal immigrants large sectors of the US economy would fall through the floor... you really are ignorant...

  • boobush

    Posted Apr 7, 2007 12:25 pm PT

    Maybe they got pissed being compared to crappy countries like Somalia, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Nam, etc. Do you think people in England would be happy about a game where "American heroes " fight the British menace? You know the answer.

  • scorch-62

    Posted Apr 5, 2007 5:36 pm PT

    i don't know why he did that... yeah, he THINKS the game depicts his people as terrorists/criminals, but 1) it's a damn video game meaning that it is fictional, 2) it is set in the FUTURE not the present (although it is the close future) and 3) IT'S STILL A DAMN GAME!!!

  • taino1128

    Posted Apr 4, 2007 5:17 pm PT

    People are still going to visit Mexico, its just a damn game! If people weren't going to visit a place 'cause of a game, GTA would have made NYC, Miami, and California deserted.

  • namdead01

    Posted Mar 30, 2007 2:40 pm PT

    Come on do you really think that people will not visit Mexico because of some video games that people play for fun. i really think that the mexican governor to take this game off the shelves because in the game you fight against mexican rebels. COME ON!!!!!!!

  • drakersen

    Posted Mar 29, 2007 8:27 pm PT

    aw please i want to play this game im mexican, i dont know why hesays that about the game, but what about germany, they never complained for all of the WWII games

  • ECarlsen

    Posted Mar 28, 2007 7:49 am PT

    Its been a long time since I have ever read a thread with one message after an another thats just so very outright wrong.

    Many of you are spot on, others of your seriously need to get out and see the world and realize your are not the center of the universe.

    He a bit silly in being upset I think..but then if image has been a major player in his economy maybe not. The method of fixing this issue should be better than siezure.

    Do they even teach history (yeah written by the victors i know) anymore?
    I think everyone should be required to take a good anthropology and economics class but thats me :-P

  • poceiden

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 7:12 pm PT

    HoushiSama1l please read my comments well for i have not insulted anybody or displayed any kinda hate, If defending my country is hatred then i guess i was hating (guilty as charged). I really meant what i said about the link to the article because it interest me as to where people are getting there news, Because as far as I know the military is in Acapulco taking down organized crime not protecting tourists. Many cities in Mexico are tourist cities its a mere coincidence.

  • Rayze78

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 2:58 pm PT

    All of this from a fictional game. Sad really. I thought games were supposed to be fun? The game is killing terrorists not Mexican civilians. Oh, btw, I am offended by any war game where you kill Nazi's because it makes it look like the Nazi's were bad....oh wait...

  • steiner666

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 2:44 pm PT

    Ironwulfen wrote:

    :
    What's up with Steiner666? He gives me no reason to believe him. While it is entirely thinkable that Terrazas don't care about it, he still has a responsibility to his town. Steiner, you accuse Ubisoft of doing this while you don't supply us with any proof of your accusations, you claim that every single person who doesn't think like you do, is a moron or in fact blind to what's going on around us (this is called harassment and is ILLEGAL). If you really are so sure about this and want to harass us on the GS site, then please find proof before jumping to conclusions! I see that you DO in fact notice what's going on around you, which I think is great, and therefore I would like you to notice what's going on closer to you; Inside you head, to be exact. If you do, then you'd notice that the activity in your brain's center of reason must have been close to ZERO when you wrote that statement! no pun intended.


    WTF? Wow, where did that come from? Why all the hate? You don't even know me yet just falsely accused me of personal harassment. A criminal offence. Alright, so who TF is this "us" I am supposed to have harassed on "your" Gamespot site? Please, do not hesitate to commence legal proceedings against me at your earliest convenience, you weirdo.

    Poor bully baby. You're just like that simpering politician throwing toys out of your crib like a spoilt brat. Sooo sorry you didn't like reading my opinion. It's called free speech. I advise you to deal with it. Besides, I did NOT directly accuse "Ubisoft(tm)" of anything. I have alot of respect for Ubisoft. How would I know WHO the PR firm or individual is behind this ALLEGED marketing campaign? It could be anyone. Maybe you?

    I never jumped to any hard conclusions or claimed WHO it is, I just said WHAT it might be - a publicity stunt to sell more GRAW2 units. Plain and simple. I merely asked all the GENUINE good peeps reading this article to maybe keep their mind open to the possibility of fraud and corruption and to think for themselves. And that was like, IT. But noooo... poor bully baby didn't like that did you? Diddums claims my free speech and lateral thinking outside of your used-car salesman box is "criminal harassment". I wonder why? I'm surprised you didn't call me a "terrorist". Nice try, but it's not going to work - deliberately clouding and obfuscating this issue - by cowardly attacking me and lamely demanding "proof", TWICE, of a mere idea.

    Yeap you're right, absolute zero activity in my brain. Thanks for being so astute enough to assume the barren landscape. At least I don't have to worry about owning your empty fake plastic heartless soul to go with it, loser. no pun intended.

  • HoushiSama1l

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 1:21 pm PT

    [poceiden] if you honestly are not aware of what is happening in Acapulco and other tourists location in Mexico there is no point even speaking to you about it (I learned long ago a link will not sway ignorance).

    Also if you candy coat a subject such as Mexicans entering the USA illegally you are indeed supporting that subject. Furthermore you are doing what you seem to do in all your posts. You ignore statements and try to redirect the subject. This is a classic tactic of one who is not capable of responding to valid points reasonably.

    I am sorry if you as a Mexican have been miss treated by people who judge you by your skin color but you should stop directing hate simply because you do not agree with them. One always needs to consider that they themselves are wrong.

    I am done here as you are not worthy of debating with as you seem only to be filled with anger and hate instead of the willingness for an exchange of opinions. Good day.

  • poceiden

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 11:58 am PT

    Tosihiro and 00kike are saying the same thing im saying don't talk about a country if you do not live in it or know anything about its politics or culture.

    HoushiSama1l, One, nothing i said is candy coated but the mere truth look up what the American dream means you'll see. Two , Can you please copy paste where i wrote that what The Mexican immigrants are doing is right because as far i know that was not written. OH yeah another thing can somebody please paste the link here where it says MEXICAN MILITARY IS PROTECTING TOURIST i really would like read that article (if it exist) since everybody so keen on bringing it up.

    I'll play the Game and I am Mexican because i dont find it offensive, what i do find offensive are the comments that are being out here about my country (got triple nationality US, Mexican, German) especially when they have no fact to support them. As a matter a fact i find it offensive when any country is insulted.

  • ldonyo

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 10:38 am PT

    Just a wee bit of an overreaction, if you ask me. Seems that Gov. Terrazas has been reading too maky of J.T.s "press releases" on games.

  • 00kike

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 10:14 am PT

    Listen warghost2k, you wouldn't believe how many gamers there are south of your border not only with computers but 360s and ps3s. You sound like you´re from a 3rd world country yourself, think before you speak dude, or else you could sound pretty stupid. I personally think the governor of chihuahua is making a big deal out of this, its a fictitious situation meant to entertain. I'm from mexico, and a big fan of GRAW 1 AND 2 and I have noooooooo problem.

  • pachex

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 8:58 am PT

    Just poor comments about this. The fact is that it is a very delicate subject, although is certain that nobody this free one of fault, we must right to express to us. It is a game, is certain, but it is not game that is an invasion to Iraq.

  • BOMBERDIER

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 8:11 am PT

    that sucks it only a game how can he take it seiously just because it is set in juarez does not mean thats what the people are like in juarez i have played the game and i don't think any differently of mexican people or the good people of juarez.

  • darthogre

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 7:53 am PT

    bahahahaha, "the mayor of JuĂĄrez, saying it instilled poor values and portrayed his town's people as violent."

    This guy needs to realize his city is corrupt and drug lords run the major cities. I lived in El Paso for 20 years, one thing I knew is you better have some money to pay off the police if you ever get pulled over there. When my friends and I were trying to leave a party a couple of outstanding cops blocked our way out of the street. Luckly my friend speaks spanish because when they asked us to get out he said hell no. It was then they decided we weren't worth it and let us go. Anyone reading this, if the cops are this corrupt just imagine how bad the thug drug lords are. I laughed my arse off when I read that the mayor thinks the game instilled poor values and portayed the city to be violent........LOL.

  • stingman212000

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 7:02 am PT

    this is the way I see it America's ggot criminals and terrorists right? so does mexico and sometimes countries like ours help out other countries to draw them out.The game depicts the bad guys as a rebel faction they just happen to be a mexican faction now if u wanna take things seriously lets use common sense.American soldiers suck as rainbow six wouldnt necessarily go to mexico to get these guys unless Mexico's government asked for assistance or unless the United States was some how in danger .So therefore the complaint that the governor of Mexico has is really a stupid one.Its kinda like how the U.S went into Iraq and many of the Iraqis are not even thankful that were trying to help.further more I am sure the governor of Mexico has somethin more important to worry about than a game.

  • Warghost2k

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 4:40 am PT

    This is exactly why Mexico will ALWAYS be considered a third-world country, because the goons who are in control have no clue what freedom is. The people live in huts, there is little clean water, everyone is living in poverty, and the only thing the capital is known for is the worst pollution on THE PLANET! And yet they want to spend money and manpower pulling a video game from shelves! How many people in mexico even have computers?? Is it really a large enough percentage of the population to matter?? Mexico is a dump, anyway.

  • cckcmain

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 4:13 am PT

    Way to go! Spend money to confiscate a freakin' video game... So he's concerned this game will create a bad image, so he's going to confiscate all the copies... that are in HIS OWN COUNTRY? LOL! What an idiot.

  • mooseman721

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 3:37 am PT

    Send in the Ghosts to sort him out!

  • BiGBOOtyBandit

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 3:30 am PT

    Ooooooooh Please!!! Governor JosĂŠ Reyes Baeza Terrazas ... Should be more concerned making sure there is running water, Kids are getting educated, cleaning the corruption ect , ect. comprede amigo. Adios

  • phillangees

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 2:21 am PT

    Ah it's good to see the Mexican authorities have everything else in that country (illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, the abysmal economy etc. etc.) so properly taken care of that the governor of this particular area has the time to rally his troops against a video game. Mexico.

  • 3rd360

    Posted Mar 27, 2007 12:30 am PT

    This game is awesome!This governor obviously needs to pull his panties out of a wad and get over it.Why are they worrying about a fictional American video game,when their state is named after a taco bell dog.Get over it,and get a life!

  • tosihiro

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 11:03 pm PT

    in how many countries have you been cspiffo??? i´m not going to talk about places where i have never been but most of european countries have similar or even more freedoms than USA. Do you know about the control the government can do in your country of your computer and your mails?? do you know that will be unconstitutional in europe???

  • edthetinker

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 9:13 pm PT

    Hahahahahaha

    I guess they can still play viva pinata

  • FstBrk342

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 7:35 pm PT

    im hispanic my self (not mexican tho) and dont find it really offensive, there are plenty of other games were they make it US versus some one else, and u dont see those countries pulling games, think of all the WWI games, were u fight germans and japanese, then there are games were u fight soviets, and now games were u fight against middle eastern based terrorist groups and the list continues. The point is that its just a game, and wat makes mexico so special that they cant be put in the game as well, hell there are even games that portray the US as a corrupted power (and i do believe, that to an extent this government has been corrupted by large buisnesses) no one is above anyone, every nation could potentially take a turn for the worst.

  • HoushiSama1l

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 5:34 pm PT

    [poceiden] There is a big difference between someone immigrating to the US and what the majority of Mexicans are doing. I immigrated here 10 years ago. What your Mexicans are doing is breaking the law. Just because you candy coat what a group of individuals is doing does not make it right and in this case you are just wrong.

    Ask yourself why 99% of all these comments posted have a tone of hatred in them. Can all of these posters be rasicts and bigots? The answer is no, but until you figure it out for yourself why there is so much anger the hate will never stop toward the Mexican people. It is the people of Mexico that must fix this problem before it really boils over, not every else.

    As for the governor saying the game instilled poor values and portrayed his town's people as violent is an oxymoron in a country where the military is deployed to protect tourist in the the resort towns not from terrorist but from organized crime. I feel sorry for this Governor but I feel even more sorry for the people he should be representing.

  • Titan124

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 5:04 pm PT

    Shynethabones, there are many games that feature America in civil war. Off the top of my head, Shattered Union. You don't see anyone calling for shattered union to be pulled from shelves. Many, many games portray americans badly, be it "Destroy all Humans," "Dead Rising", even "Gears of War" has its moments. All of these take place in the future, and even if an alien invasion or zombies come to life in the year 2014, wouldn't it be silly to blame it on these games? Also, americans aren't yelling to pull games off the shelves because they portray all of them as rednecks. Sure, some people are trying to crack down on violence in games, but they are asking for restriction, not going into people's homes and stealing copies of the games. Finally, it seems that the governor is doing this unilaterally, which makes it that much worse.

    I would only be slightly upset if Mexico was pulling this from shelves. I've come to expect this of South American countries. What really got to me was that they will make sure people won't play it, which obviously entails searching homes and later arresting people who are found with the game.

  • robinson679

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 4:59 pm PT

    y este pobre mexicano no saben que hacen con COLOMBIA y se que por eso es un poco de hipocrecia.....nos creemos tan santos?

  • ArfenZard15

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 4:58 pm PT

    Says a lot about the world really.
    Forget all other problems, we want all these games SEIZED.
    I think it's a bit of a joke, and quite pathetic overall. It's a GAME whatsmore it isnt based on ACTUAL events so this is a bit of an over-reaction in my opinion.

    But hell, I couldn't care less! Because a,) I don't live there b.)I have no interest in this game whatsoever

    So this is prety much a waste of time! Sorry!

  • DoubleDragon1

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 4:39 pm PT

    Well not surprised. It's because they have such a noble reputation to uphold. People need to remember that stereotypes are based upon a basic truth...

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