Unveiling the Timeline and Setting of the Game
As we dive into the game files, we encounter a vast collection of street art, graffiti, and posters scattered across different locations in the game’s world.
The Goal
Each of these images, from vibrant street signs to faded posters, contains words and symbols that, when translated, offer glimpses into the timeline, cultural influences, and setting of the game's universe. The goal of this post is to meticulously catalogue and decipher the meaning of all environmental artwork, posters, and images found in the files.
The Images
Each image is listed with its original filename for easy reference and correlation. We’ve also organised the files into categories based on their type, making it simpler to analyse patterns and themes. Images can reveal both historical context and a glimpse into the daily lives of the characters or help determine locations of the maps within the game world.
Advertisements and Billboards
Advertisements reflect the commercial side of the game’s society, often highlighting popular products, political propaganda, or societal trends. They can reveal historical context and locations.
Billboard 1
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_big_am_04e82945b10bae5c8cb194331fbc4e8451
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 2
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_big_am_0238dd48d167ef77846535c768fb2d6860
A good starting point for our search is the image named Billboard2. Here we see a commercial advertisement for a US air carrier with “Welcome to Saigon” & Last minute tours to Vietnam” This gives us an indication where in the world this is located and we can line it up with existing in-game maps or other clues in the game files.
Billboard 3
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_big_am_0337b052e9d55d418eb91947638992aeb
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 4
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_big_am_06b2f84b306238c9eef79aa442da2c2c70
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 5
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_big_am_07bb29cdafea0057ca0e591c6e39e06764
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 6
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_small_am_0233bfc85562348a38f29d8bdf0b06b54b
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 7
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_small_am_04827241c21f93a9101315a7b2981fc8be
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 8
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_small_am_0519e41ba94d5d5cbc0669add106a2b13c
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 9
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_small_am_062a33ce10dbb7b282e02c86a2ad4428a1
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Billboard 10
- File name: cw_env_uni_246_billboards_poster_small_am_0872ba94e358d53fec5fab94743de7ba61
To help us further narrow down locations we also see various advertisements like Billboard10 which shows an advert for a Television with writing in Vietnamese.
Street Art 1
- File name: decals_streetart_02_amr29f1768bd8a45f6ce2e26f56341272ce
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Street Art 2
- File name: decals_streetart_09_amrd52c4369a49179ed24fe6e9361a30703
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Street Art 3
- File name: decals_streetart_19_amr30a96707b87d951dd60c05e47e4967c5
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Street Art 4
- File name: decals_streetart_71_amr0ca73f147264eb8113e10fde7e65eb21
In this picture of a file labelled decals_streetart_71. Here we see what appears to be anti war protests either from a billboard or newspaper. An image lookup reveals this particular image to match anti war sentiments from the Vietnam war.
Graffiti and Revolutionary Slogans
Graffiti, especially when it features revolutionary symbols or messages, is often a means for the oppressed or marginalized to voice their grievances. It’s a tool for world-building that hints at social unrest, resistance movements, and ideological divides.
Graffiti 1
- File name: detail_sets_for_gasstation_amb9f93beab68d8a83947b7b745c0c068a
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 2
- File name: graffiti_01_amf2555d21085818cb937eca9fbc9c27cc
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 3
- File name: graffiti_03_am09568231baec75398f96026d2c2ae53d
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 4
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_02a592824d91e6b31c98656ebd72ea4f8a
In this image we see some graffiti from the vietnam war with the bottom text roughly translating to “Determined to fight the American enemies” along with other images seemingly calling upon the vietnamese people to stand up and protect their country.
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 5
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_12bac3b9cb17945897ce2b4f2f77a03186
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 6
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_13c6ac6143bcc26f522c9295a7aa67cd26
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 7
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_014d296eb25cdb20471b4c4ec2f4e516da
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 8
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_14_yellowc97c80c4db9217c44c434597d301be43
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 9
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_15c32385227679a427fc71d9ce099c6d46
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 10
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_18f88c28d79cb815644e611a4bbc96a5a1
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 11
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_29fca6bf636fe7ef5c57d91efa59a96ab8
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 12
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_39ace7423710599c69693d9fd30191e416
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 13
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_042d381ed6cecee40d7a1ce4316bedd630
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 14
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_42b661e8e1ba49e56adc2ef0bac2e750fb
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 15
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_43edb98498a2edf84f91ff51800f6bee85
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 16
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_45e3d143dad5faf9b6bb6dfe50eceead80
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 17
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_46bf0f986aaf91fb3bcda8fbf4d2027d6e
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 18
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_208e10dc4be9300d1fb71c2602e36ff3bb
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 19
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_245bbf3db260d2e47afc9d20d4ff3c4f69
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 20
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_317ccdaded401d9b471eaaf718a4cdea3e
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 21
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_401a0f56598e4b97af35c8b7cbf953ef70
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 22
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_475f49c7f25844bbc69d700ea23dfdcb35
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 23
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_492aabdc5300a6c6ec48be373d291e7d2c
In this poster we see another anti-war slogan presumably depicting the peace movement during the vietnam war which gives us a rough timeline of 1969.
Graffiti 24
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_525edd51bd21726783ed821a6b938cd293
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 25
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_2864ea8abead6f9ae64600c8cde489a54a
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 26
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_4122edf30246c265ac05930ceedc20e8a0
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 27
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_10885cde3d57fae14451a2f4c748f8fb0d
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 28
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_21309734d0c896095fc992359c8d05b650
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Graffiti 29
- File name: graffiti_vietnam_35712788843aa0b82eaa991bdbce22faa7
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
PLACEHOLDER CATEGORY
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION
Unlabeled 1
- File name: 0062_blockpostawning_01_dtf3f422d2aab152446ca38770d174143a
Another location referenced within our game world is Lebanon. Specifically Beirut. Here we see what seems to be a military standard with ‘Honour, Sacrifice, Loyalty” as its wording. A reverse image search reveals this to be an Insignia related to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Unlabeled 2
- File name: 0067_signstreet_04_1_am29df5bf0abcb25a4f533e2d3394adcf5
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 3
- File name: 0124_advertisingcafe_01_am9ac6c0ae453836b700590c047f55dc27
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 4
- File name: 0154_borderfence_06_am113daff4f3a7eb380b6a2a84ff0cb62b
In this image we seem to have a reference to a military checkpoint. Presumably also in Beirut.
Unlabeled 5
- File name: 0213_rabitz_21_m1_am_v34723629a5f973e7f7c9554a90a35a179
Here we see two signs pointing at a possible location somewhere in the middle east. Although it's unclear where this is located. Possibly pointing at Iraq or Syria.
Unlabeled 6
- File name: 0213_rabitz_21_m1_am_v4201c87b27d7d9834bd1024b96719edc9
Related to image Unlabeled 5
Unlabeled 7
- File name: 70s-deo539b2d494a00f87d5492a45512d2e1d5
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 8
- File name: afghan_agit_042849622a08bd635bb41f7594469e99b5
Another location known to be in the game and also shown in the game files is ‘Friendship dam’ which appears to be a joint project between Russia/Soviets and Afghanistan. Roughly translating to “Long live Friendship, Afghan-Soviet”.
Unlabeled 9
- File name: agit_017d23b6575ddf3185e19b57089c3935f8
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 10
- File name: ads_03_am2055bd435841422e4355a2eecdcf11cc
In this sign we see a possible hint to a location in dubai. Translated lines roughly say, “Historical Books - The emirate of Dubai… and the intensive development model” and a reference to Al-Nasr.
Unlabeled 11
- File name: cross_05_black_am0ca280e1a0e02afacdf3a703cb240af8
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 12
- File name: cw_env_uni_011_signstreet_10_amed42f585fc790e783cff3fe79a2cbd52
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 13
- File name: cw_env_uni_013_signstreet_02_am47b33be93b9d172f1e8618e126eea212
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 14
- File name: cw_env_uni_144_restaurant_02_ama11809c44c0d47105ffa95dec660a1d3
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 15
- File name: cw_env_uni_205_gasstationsign_s01ec2fc2bd25ee2a2eea163c99aa1e73b
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 16
- File name: cw_env_uni_221_banners_0116c5f709025cc814aeae9603c8f146ab
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 17
- File name: cw_env_uni_221_banners_048970fbac1925d46d2afbd347e15a0c2d
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 18
- File name: cw_env_uni_221_banners_0704bd7a2ae2ce2dc69fe450641d706741
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 19
- File name: cw_env_uni_231_warningsigns_01_rta47ce348a567976fa6d02509a21aa2295
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Unlabeled 20
- File name: cw_env_uni_234_medicalset_posters_01_amca5cb4775bd868d774419f0228c6bbb3
Here we see a sign for a hospital/health agency based in Beirut.
Unlabeled 21
- File name: cw_env_uni_234_medicalset_posters_01_v3_am8f51276117226a60cb2963d5ce2ab549
PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION / BREAKDOWN / TRANSLATION
NOTE: PLACEHOLDER
Conclusion
Logos and symbols of major corporations or groups can hint at alliances, economic control, and the factions players may encounter throughout the game. Through careful examination and translation of these images, we aim to decipher the timeline, societal conditions, and power structures within the game. Each visual element, from street art to banners, adds layers of context that deepen our understanding of the game’s world. By cataloging and analyzing these images, we’re not only piecing together the story but also uncovering the cultural nuances that make the game environment more immersive. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as we continue to unveil hidden meanings within these environmental assets.