Controversy surrounds a plan to host a Call of Duty WWII Esports tournament inside a New South Wales RSL, the Sydney Morning Herald today reports.
A veteran and patron of the Castle Hill RSL has complained to Baulkham Hills Liberal MP David Elliott, the NSW Veterans’ Affairs Minister, saying he finds the tournament “distasteful”.
The tournament itself, organised by Video Games League, was to take place in May, nearby Australia’s Anzac Day public holiday.
“I am trying not to be politically correct but widows of World War II will look at this and think there is no entertainment in WWII and question its use in an RSL club to enable people to win cash,” Elliott said of the tournament.
“When we organised this we didn’t think about the timing,” Video Games League’s Michael Morgan said in reply. “I hope we haven’t offended anyone. We will talk to the RSL about getting rid of it if it is disrespectful.”
Warren Kenny, the President of the Castle Hill RSL Group, said the event was meant to encourage younger patrons to attend the RSL.
“The Castle Hill RSL commitment to honouring the service of our veteran community is well known. We continue to organise, sponsor and support two of the largest community Anzac Day services in the country at Castle Hill and Parramatta,” he added. “If any member does have concerns about eSports tournaments held at the club, they are urged to contact the club directly.”
Call of Duty: WWII is available now on Windows PC, Xbox One and PS4.
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