Prince Harry of Wales recently completed a 20-week tour in Afghanistan, and during that time, he spent some time playing video games.
In various interviews, Harry explained that they were used to help unwind, but how they also improved his accuracy when out in the field of combat (Harry spent much of his tour as the co-pilot of an Apache attack helicopter).
That last comment got a great deal of attention, perhaps not surprisingly. Chief among them is the Taliban, who are not the least bit impressed, according to Polygon. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid was quoted as saying:
"To describe the war in Afghanistan as a game demeans anyone – especially a prince, who is supposed to be made of better things.
It shows the lack of understanding, of knowledge… It shows they are unfamiliar with the situation and shows why they are losing."
Polygon's source also noted that even Harry's senior officers are non-plussed as well. One unnamed commander stated:
"It's not a game – it's very, very real."