The game worlds used in the Arma titles are based on places in the real world Game makers arrested for 'spying' September 13, 2012 10:11 Two game developers visiting Greece have been arrested on suspicion of spying. The two men, who work for developer Bohemia Interactive, were arrested outside a military base on the island of Limnos. A Bohemia spokesman said the pair had simply been on holiday on Limnos. The Prague-based game maker has clashed with the authorities on Limnos before, over its use of detailed maps of the island. In a statement published on its website, Bohemia said the two men had travelled there "with the sole purpose of experiencing the island's beautiful surroundings". Bohemia said it was doing all it could to support the arrested men, who have now been transferred to Lesbos where they will be formally charged in the island's district court, and their families. "We sincerely hope that this is an unfortunate misunderstanding of their passion as artists and creators of virtual worlds," it added. Bohemia is best known for the Arma military simulation games, and the next version of the title, Arma III, is set on a highly detailed digital version of Limnos, based on images, video and data gathered during a series of research trips to the island. In an interview with games news website CVG, Bohemia said it had been criticised for gathering the information by the local government on Limnos, which had said it had been "strategically problematic" that such detailed maps had been created. Bohemia said it had used only publicly available information to build its virtual environments and much of the footage it had gathered was of trees, shrubs and flowers. "We always respect the law and we've never instructed anybody to violate the laws of any country," it added. BBC © 2012 Really Greece!?! Sent from Bittech Android app
Greece has a joke of a government. This is the sort of nonsense you'd expect from a 3rd world country not a member of the EU.
ARMA 3 must be based on a future where greece go bust, and America storms in to get their money back. Surely if they were 'outside' the military base, there can't be any problem. I'd be interested in looking at a military base. There's got to be more to it than meets the eye.
Its standard over here to remove people taking photos of military bases too. Particularly ones such as Faslane. You probably not going to be arrested unless your upto something obviously dodgy, but its still a bad idea.
Reminds me of the planespotting couple from a few years ago. Probably just some policeman wanting to throw their weight around.
Every millitary installation in Greece has enormous signs all around them saying taking photo's is a criminal offence. Greece is still technically at war over Cyprus and if you can't read a sign, follow the law or know about the plane spotters than your an idiot.
Absolutely. I can totally understand getting arrested if you're taking photos/videos of a military installation, no matter your justification.
Provided it's actually illegal to do so, of course. Different countries and even different installations may have different allowances for photography. If an area's too difficult to enforce a no-photo rule it may be allowed and anything sensitive will be kept indoors or covered, or located somewhere else on the installation that's harder to see. That said, always play it safe. Always look out for signs saying no photography and obey them, if they're putting up the sign they likely have the power to enforce it. Also be ready to have your camera checked for infringing photos, if you really were innocently taking photos unaware of restrictions then it should be no issue losing a couple shots and being sent on your way. It's no fun being stopped and questioned and having all your ducks in a row makes it as painless as possible.
Just hanging around, even without a camera, draws the attention of people who are there with the expressed intention of being paranoid about folk noting movements. Driving past the AWE site in Aldermaston is particularly scary. Anything anyone wants to know about layout of installations can use satellite imagery. I was surprised at how detailed the pics are of the base in Faslane (no streetview, of course!), & indeed the NATO bases in the middle east, though inevitably there are still some areas that do not get the higher resolution coverage . The only reasons to get in close with a camera are nothing to do with the installations & everything to do with who/what is there. Whether the interest is of an enthusiast nature or something more sinister is what would be in question. They could easily enough have approached the main entrance & asked.
Oh I agree, arrested if its not illegal isn't exactly kosher, but we all know it is illegal in Greece, ergo, don't do it.
The devs weren't taking photos of military bases. Please sign the petition here to show your support for these two men who have been injustly imprisoned.
If it's the case that they were on holiday and weren't taking pictures of military installations then they won't get convicted, as the evidence won't support such a conviction. As for a petition...why? It will have zero impact on any legal process.
The cynic in me thinks that BI will start asking for donations next to help with the legal battle. Pointless petition is pointless.
I understand your cynicism, however I would point out that the petition is nothing to do with BIS (it was created by a community member) and moreover BIS are not allowing any discussion of the event on their forums- they're certainly not asking for donations. It's naive to conclude that if the guys are innocent they will be swiftly released, remember the 12 British plane spotters who were arrested in Greece (and convicted!) for taking photos of an air show?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2002/nov/07/greece It's also naive to not actually look up the rest of the story.
