Exclusive interview for Medal of Honor Warfighter: Military Edition

On the heels of the announcement of the hotly anticipated game Medal of Honor: Warfighter, we were then delivered the second of the one/two punch by EA and company as they announced a special edition only for active, former, or reservist members of America?s military.  Teaming up with GovX, an online shopping destination for current and former military members, they are gearing up this special edition not only for the honor of those in our armed forces, but awarding these brave men and women with some nifty unlockables as well.

Today I?m pleased to have a chance to grab some Q & A with the president of GovX, Tony Farwell, to see what light I can shed for those still pondering what else is in store for you if you are indeed a part of the brave elite.

First off I just wanted to say thank you Tony for allowing me to have a chance to pick your brain a bit, and please feel free to divulge and elaborate on what you can about this project.

1)    Q:  Why did your team choose Medal of Honor: Warfighter as your game of choice when  selecting one game this year to celebrate America?s Armed Forces?

A: The unique nature of this video game, it’s adaptation of real life tactical operations, along with EA’s genuine desire to convey respect and recognition for the challenges and sacrifices our U.S. Armed Forces and their families? face, made MOHW the right video game for us to launch a privileged Military Edition.  In fact, it is the first such Military-only Edition of a major game release in the industry.  Launching with another game would not have been as powerful or meaningful, however, extending this privilege to other video games in and out of the first person shooter genre will, in time, make sense.  We want to work with EA to create an enduring and privileged sales channel exclusively serving our military with unique editions and features.

2)     Q:  What can gamers and the gaming communities expect to see from this edition as far as extras features, unlockables, proceeds, and other positive features that truly will make this a stand out edition?

A: Medal of Honor Warfighter Military Edition is a special edition that will only be available to verified active, reserve, retired and former military personnel, and not the general public. The special Military Edition includes the Medal of Honor Warfighter Limited Edition, plus the Project HONOR camouflage pattern uniform and other distinguishing features which we will announce as the release date nears.  Anyone wearing the Project HONOR camo uniform in the game will be distinguished and recognized as an actual member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

In addition, a portion of GovX?s proceeds from Medal of Honor Warfighter Military Edition game sales will be donated to GovX military foundation partners, including the Air Force Association and AFA Veteran Benefits Association, Marine Corps Association & Foundation, and National Association for Uniformed Services, among others.  In partnership with Electronic Arts, GovX will also contribute to the Navy SEAL Foundation and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

3)      Q:  What have you brought as far as weapons and gear suggestions to this series and/or special edition that will help promote this title of being the most authentic and realistic FPS on the market?

A: In keeping with EA?s unwavering objective to make this game authentic, we have sought to ensure that only real brands and tactical gear actually used by the military in such tactical military operations are included in the game.  London Bridge Trading, for instance, supplies the preponderance of load-out bags, backpacks, protective gear and Kaenon has developed the premium tactical polarized eyewear.  We carry and offer these brands on GovX because they are the core premium equipment used in these missions.

4)      Q:  Will this edition include special pricing or proceeds for the Armed Forces members?

A: The Medal of Honor Warfighter Military Edition is available now for pre-order on www.govx.com/mohw for $59.89. Our privileged Edition has more to do more with the recondition, being among the rarified participants who legitimately wear this special camo uniform.

A portion of GovX?s proceeds from Medal of Honor Warfighter Military Edition game sales will be donated to GovX military foundation partners, including the Air Force Association and AFA Veteran Benefits Association, Marine Corps Association & Foundation, and National Association for Uniformed Services, among others.  In partnership with Electronic Arts, GovX will also contribute to the Navy SEAL Foundation and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

5)      Q:  Will there be indicators for non armed forces members notating that they are playing with/against members of the armed forces, or special insignias for the armed forces members telling others of their unique status?

 A: Medal of Honor Warfighter Limited Edition includes use of the Project HONOR camouflage pattern, signifying and recognizing the players? service in the U.S. Military.

6)     Q:  Will there be any unique uniforms or designs for not only each division of the military, but for retired and reservist as well?

A:  Again, there will be special uniform that can only be worn by current or former U.S. military.

7)      Q:  Will the game include any gestures or actions you can do to thank an armed forces member while you play beside them, like a salute for instance?

 A: Wow, great question?great idea!  It currently does not include such a gesture, but hang on?let?s see what happens.

 8)      Q: Will the armed forces members receive any exclusive levels or training maps that emulate situations, places, training exercises or duties they may be involved with on a day to day basis in their actual lives.

 A: Again, great idea.  There was an overall belief that we did not want to give the Military player a material advantage over others, to otherwise maintain an even playing field.  In our military gamer focus groups, they were not looking for such an advantage.  Still, we are working on a special game guide, though, that has not been finalized.

 9)      Q: Are there any measures taken to ensure someone who is not listed as armed forces members will be denied access to this content and/or posing falsely as an armed forces member?

 A: Absolutely. Medal of Honor Warfighter Military Edition is being sold exclusively on GovX.com, the largest online shopping destination for verified military and related government agency personnel. As a controlled-access e-commerce site, GovX?s verification process ensures that the MOHW Military Edition game is only available for purchase by current and former military members.

 10)    Q: Of course the most important question is, how/where do I get a copy if I am an armed forces member, and will this edition be issued outside of GovX like in the PX or Game Stops on Military Bases.

 A:  EA has chosen to partner with GovX.com to be the sole distributor of the Medal of Honor Warfighter Military Edition. This game will not be available for purchase anywhere else. If you are in the Armed Forces and want to purchase a copy of this exclusive edition, you can join GovX.com for free at www.GovX.com/mohw and pre-order today.

I thank you for your time today, as I also thank you for recognizing the dedication to our nation?s men and women.  I hope this special edition leads to many great things that will continue to celebrate our armed forces in the video game community.