Clips from Arma 3 and War Thunder are being falsely shared as real airstrike footage in the Iran-Israel conflict
Arma 3 and War Thunder footage, mistaken as real, circulates during Iran-Israel conflict.
Footage from the video games Arma 3 and War Thunder has been circulating falsely as real airstrike footage amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The situation intensified after Israel's surprise airstrikes on Iranian targets on June 13, 2025. Shortly after, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps released a video claiming to show the downing of an Israeli jet, which was later identified as a clip from Arma 3. Analysts note that these games, popular for their realism, have frequently been used for deceptive purposes in similar geopolitical conflicts.
Social media and messaging platforms have facilitated the rapid spread of such videos, often shared with alarming captions. The Israeli Defense Forces issued a statement to The Jerusalem Post confirming that no Israeli aircraft had been shot down and highlighted the videos' digital origin. This misrepresentation of game footage has historical precedence; similar incidents occurred as far back as 2016, involving nations like Russia and Pakistan.
Bohemia Interactive, the developer of Arma 3, has responded to the misuse of its game by providing guidelines to help distinguish real footage from its gameplay. These include looking for very low resolution, overly shaky camera work, and the absence of realistic sound and human motion. Unrealistic vehicles and military characteristics within the game also serve as tell-tale signs of inauthenticity.
The propagation of these videos is symptomatic of a larger issue where video game footage is routinely misused to distort public perceptions of conflicts. This has occurred in various situations worldwide, from depicting military exercises to allegedly confirming acts of aggression. Heightened awareness and media literacy are crucial in preventing the public from being misled.
While gaming technology advances and its graphics become increasingly photorealistic, distinguishing between reality and simulation becomes more challenging. Organizations and governments handling such sensitive information must remain vigilant and invest in technologies that can automatically differentiate between authentic footage and gameplay. This is especially important in maintaining credibility and controlling the narrative during international conflicts.
Sources: TechSpot, The Jerusalem Post, PC Gamer, Bohemia Interactive