Wall Street Journal tackles racism in Resident Evil 5

A subject that's raised controversy since the game's debut trailer, Resident Evil 5 has constantly been forced to deal with rumors regarding the game's African setting, and seemingly racist connotations. Earlier Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal's Jamin Brophy-Warren rekindled this issue with an editorial on the ongoing debate.

But discussions about colonialism are only dealt with obliquely in the game -- Chris never reflects on his position as a white male in Africa nor does he discuss race with his African partner, Sheva. The game presents only one option to survive against African zombies: kill every single one.

While Capcom's Jun Takeuchi has repeatedly reported his stance on this issue, stating that:

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A subject that's raised controversy since the game's debut trailer, Resident Evil 5 has constantly been forced to deal with rumors regarding the game's African setting, and seemingly racist connotations. Earlier Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal's Jamin Brophy-Warren rekindled this issue with an editorial on the ongoing debate.

But discussions about colonialism are only dealt with obliquely in the game -- Chris never reflects on his position as a white male in Africa nor does he discuss race with his African partner, Sheva. The game presents only one option to survive against African zombies: kill every single one.

While Capcom's Jun Takeuchi has repeatedly reported his stance on this issue, stating that:

There is no racial element to it at all.

Still, infected or not, I have a feeling that this subject won't be put to rest until the game's Friday release, where gamers can decide for themselves.

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