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[UPDATED] Malaysia blocks Steam entirely to stop FIGHT OF GODS
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!
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
Last edited by Prans,