Released on Steam Early Access this week, Fight of Gods is a fighting game that features deities like Moses, Jesus, Zeus, Buddha and even Anubis!

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If you thought it couldn't get even more intense, then you were wrong! The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission have called for a ban on the game and asked for it to be disabled within 24 hours or face further actions. And then Steam was entirely banned.

In a press release, PQube, the game's publisher, noted that "we never received any communications from Malaysian officials here at PQube, however reports seem to indicate that Malaysia has now blocked access to all of Steam in order to prevent access to Fight of Gods."

Talking to The Star about their actions, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission had the following to say: "Malaysians respect all cultural and religious sensitivities, and the sale and distribution of the religiously insensitive and blasphemous games must be stopped immediately."

Below is a short statement on the matter from Digital Crafter and PQube:

Fight of Gods is a video game that takes a humorous approach to religion in the same way that other entertainment formats have – across television, film, books and theatre.

The game is not promoting any religious agenda and is not designed to offend. The description of the game on the digital platforms through which it is distributed provide clear guidance on the nature of the game and its content so that people can freely choose whether or not to play it. We fully respect the choice of those who would not wish to play it.

We are disappointed that such freedom of choice is not given to everyone and in particular that the game has been forcibly removed from sale in Malaysia, although no direct communication has been received by us as to the reasons for this. Nevertheless we respect any rules and censorship imposed in any given territory.


We have reached out to Steam and are working with them to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Kotaku reached out to Valve and they replied with the following statement:

Right now players in Malaysia can access the games they own on Steam, but the Steam Store is being blocked by some local telcos in Malaysia. From reports we are reading, this is due to a single game that conflicts with local laws. We have contacted the developer, removed the game, and are attempting to make contact with the officials in Malaysia to remove the block. We apologize for any inconvenience.

So what do you think of this ban? Somewhat reminiscent of the Russian Pokémon GO player who was recently jailed for playing the game in a church, no?

UPDATE:

It seems like Steam has been unblocked in Malaysia while Fight of Gods has been removed from the digital game distribution platform in the country.

SOURCE: GBAtemp Inbox

 

[Abu_Senpai]

@Abu_Senpai Bruh my comment wasnt supposed be taken seriously lol

Relax. and dont worry, I now. I was just trying to state reasons as to why such a thing couldn't happen without major consequences. (And as much as i hate to say it, it probably will happen one day and i dread to imagine how that will go down)

Muslims are very iffy about drawings is my main point.

 

[HaloEliteLegend]

You know, taken out of the context of gaming entirely, this would read as some horrific affront on all condensation as a result of a holy war of ultimate proportions to rival the crusades.

 

[Kigiru]

The game looks kinda tame... until the MFing Jesus breaks the cross and started to use parts of it to hit his opponents. Crazy shit, developers are clearly taking some shady pills and there's a need to protect people from drugs.
Global ban, now!

 

[QuisetellX]

But are there any real world depictions of God for every religion? exactly i dont think so. Nor was it specifically stated that the God in that game was the one from a certain religion.

So because Atlus did specify WHICH god it was, no one cared. Even i bested SMT IV Final and felt great beating God because it was one they literally made up.

Regardless of my facts you have your opinion and i have mine. That is the beauty of the internet.

Oh and regarding Satan. i dont think anyone would really care if he was put into any game.

I'm sorry but what? The God depicted in SMT4 Final is without a doubt the Christian/Hebrew God.

 

[VitaType]

There are drawings from the 13th century of Muhammad. But then again nothing can be 100% confirmed

There're also no reliable drawings of Jesus either, or just a reliable proof that he ever existed to begin with.
Look at Odin in this game. His helmet has horns, the idea that viking and there gods used horns at there helmets is a idea from Richard Wagner. There is no source that says Odin would have a helmet with horns.
I guess the look of all character in this game is just based on the phantasy of artists and technically we have a kind of common sense how Muhammad looks like, thanks to the comics a couple of years ago
Which means a DLC would be possible, but I doub they make it happend.

 

[MadMageKefka]

There're also no reliable drawings of Jesus either, or just a reliable proof that he ever existed to begin with.
Look at Odin in this game. His helmet has horns, the idea that viking and there gods used horns at there helmets is a idea from Richard Wagner. There is no source that says Odin would have a helmet with horns.
I guess the look of all character in this game is just based on the phantasy of artists and technically we have a kind of common sense how Muhammad looks like, thanks to the comics a couple of years ago
Which means a DLC would be possible, but I doub they make it happend.

Or maybe, just maybe, gods are made up characters so they can look like anything, because they never really existed....

 

[VitaType]

Or maybe, just maybe, gods are made up characters so they can look like anything, because they never really existed....

I marked the word "look" bold to avoid a flame war from people that may skip that word while reading

 

[Termer]

The Son of God! And he's CROSS! Bwahaha!

 

[Taleweaver]

Wow... It's a pretty overreaction. why didn't they issue a local ban on the game in the first place?

As for the local ban: i don't see a problem with it. It's not like this is the Pinnacle of what games have to offer. And to be honest: i think this whole controversy more than makes up for lost sales in pr, so i doubt the devs are shedding tears over this.

 

[BlueFox gui]

alive again

 

[grossaffe]

1 thing ,i am Atheist myself,and I couldn't bring saying i am Atheist on my living area ,or else people here would end up bullying or threatening me in some sort of ways.

I dunno, I heard that Malaysians respect all cultural and religious sensitivities...

 

[0100100001001001]

They really should add an option to play as yourself, and add Chuck Norris.

 

[VitaType]

and add Chuck Norris.

Don't forge the balancing between the characters. It's a fighting game
Well, maybe he could be added as god mode *scnr*

 

[0100100001001001]

Don't forge the balancing between the characters. It's a fighting game
Well, maybe he could be added as god mode *scnr*

Yea, that would be unfair to the gods to add Chuck Norris.

 

[The Stormcloak Lion]

Yet another reason I am an atheist.

 

[grossaffe]

Yea, that would be unfair to the gods to add Chuck Norris.

We could balance that by letting the gods summon Bruce Lee.

 

[TotalInsanity4]

but its the internet, anything goes

but besides, although I can see completely why its offensive, you have to remember, in the gaming industry, the CONSUMERS gave the power, and they can take it away. therefore, if its offensive to someone, they can simply not buy it
(not trying to start an argument)

That's all well and good until you (read: developers) find a niche market of white supremists that are willing to support your "creative" efforts

 

[Sketchy1]

That's all well and good until you (read: developers) find a niche market of white supremists that are willing to support your "creative" efforts

but that's exactly my point:
if most like it, then why hinder them?

 

[TotalInsanity4]

but that's exactly my point:
if most like it, then why hinder them?

... do I really have to answer that question?...

 

[Ericthegreat]

So what do you think of this ban? Somewhat reminiscent of the Russian Pokémon GO player who was recently jailed for playing the game in a church, no?

No this is actually blasphemous, whereas that was more grey area, at least I would say(I'm sure kids play games in Church all the time, I know I used to, I think it was more the idea that he was doing it on purpose, and and about past, anti-Christian comments he made). I wouldn't play this game, makes me sad it exist.