A small but vocal group of military veterans picketed outside a U.S. Army-sponsored video game tournament in Rancho Cordova on Saturday. The group was protesting a video game event that they say was aimed at promoting military enlistment.  A handful of members from the Veterans for Peace group protested outside the Army training center on Gold Tailings Court in Rancho Cordova. Inside, young adults were engrossed in the new game.

The Veterans for Peace don’t like this glorified promotion of being in the military. “It’s like giving candy to kids,” Sacramento Veterans for Peace president John C. Reiger said. “It’s sort of like military pedophilia in a way, preying on our young people.”

Army Sgt. Victor Farrier disagrees and said that the tournament was meant to draw attention to the new video game “America’s Army,” which the Army said provides civilians with an accurate portrayal and inside perspective on life in the Army. It’s not your typical video game. “The event is nothing more than an opportunity for people to become familiar with the Army,” Farrier said.

Farrier said the tournament was open to players 17 and over. Anyone under 17 was required to have a parent or guardian present to compete.