You know that old trope about kids who play videogames that are actually secret government evaluation programs designed to draft quick-witted children into secret adventures? British intelligence organization GCHQ has taken that a little too seriously, and is planning to use videogames to attract new blood.
GCHQ, which works with the MI5 and MI6, will use Xbox Live to reach potential employees, where it believes that gamers exhibit the traits they look for, "such as quick thinking, problem solving and team work." If they also needed racists and homophobes, I'd say that Xbox Live users were indeed the perfect recruitment material.
"As well as tackling 'traditional threats' GCHQ's work is also about helping government departments, such as the Ministry of Defence, to protect their information and communication systems," states a GCHQ rep. "This means we can offer excellent training and careers for people with specialist technical skills. However, the fact remains that many potential candidates remain unaware of GCHQ and what we do. Using video on Xbox LIVE helps carry our message to the right people in a creative and innovative manner."
The irony of an "intelligence" organization recruiting through Xbox Live has been lost on none of us.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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12:00 PM on 11.20.2009
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Reminds me of the guy picked at the start of MW2, who is meant to be an idiot so he can get shot and left for the Russians to find.
There's nothing wrong with anyone advertising career options to the people on Xbox Live as opposed to anyone else.
But yeah, it's easy to make jokes. HUR HUR XBOX LIVE USERS R STOOPID HUR HUR.
Exactly, a good majority of XBL users are just like everyone else. It's the minority that ruin it. Don't tell me PSN doesn't have the same number of stupid, racist, homophones. Because you're wrong.
Yes, it's the same as every platform. However XBL has the largest amount of 'tuff online haxxorz' as opposed to other platforms, where PC has the least. I'm sure many would agree - clearly Jim does.
Well, probably not the PC bit.
its a old arsenal(soccer team) shirt
And intelligence wise, is it really best to look at people who pay £40 a year to play online when thereare others who have the sense to play online for free thus being able to buy an extra game a year or save £40 a year.
PSN is like a wine and cheese party. we discuss fine art and the ramifications of the credit market on the global economy.
JK. We have plenty of idiots And haters too.
On game consoles though, parents are generally less informed as to what their children are being exposed to.
I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom but this just seems to be a way to get their message to children who are younger younger, and I don't know if I can support it, it just has a North-Korean feel to it.
Although I have to say is why are they advertising for the INTELLIGENCE agency instead for the Military? I'm pretty sure video game skills would produce tangible benefits when piloting vehicles or robots, or perhaps strategy making, but I don't see how video gamers can make good secret agents.