Jailed ArmA 3 devs wait out Greek strike

The twoCzechArmA 3developers held on espionage charges in Greece have been jailed for more than a month, and resolution to the international imbroglio is being delayed by labor issues. Bohemia Interactive's creative director Jay Crowe spoke with PC Gamer about the pair's condition, and for more details on why they were arrested in the first place.

"We don’t have any direct form of communication with the guys, but they’re able to call their families," Crowe said. "Obviously, being in a foreign prison they don’t feel great, to say the least. They’re trying to stay strong and maintain a faith in justice."

The Greek Justice System is currently on indefinite strike, which the pair's lawyer said on a public support website will last at least until October 20. Regulations stipulate they must see trial within 120 days after their arrest.

Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezlar were vacationing on the Greek island of Lemnos, the real-world inspiration for ArmA 3's island of Limnos. They were arrested for allegedly photographing sensitive military operations, though supporters have already gathered what they call much more detailed photos and videos of the installations easily available online.

"From what we understand, Ivan and Martin didn’t enter any military areas and — from what their lawyer has presented thus far in the media — it’s impossible to think that they’ve documented anything that could even remotely be classified as 'espionage,'" Crowe said.

While Bohemia Interactive has conducted location research on the island before, Crowe said its outings have never extended beyond normal tourist activities.

Development on ArmA III has continued in Buchta and Pezlar's absence, though Crowe said at this point most of the work is shoring up the game for its public alpha.