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The Conversation
The Conversation
Zainab Darbas, PhD Candidate, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University

Are video games art or products? This tension lies at the heart of Australia’s gaming industry

In 2004, a largely anonymous team of Australian video game developers released a prototype video game titled Escape from Woomera.

In this 3D adventure, the player takes on the role of Mustafa, an Iranian refugee fleeing violent repression who is being held in a virtual re-creation of the (now-shut) Woomera Immigration Reception and Processing Centre.

Mustafa is facing deportation back to Iran – which will mean almost certain death. He and the player must escape.

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