Update: There are reports now that Steam has been unblocked by the Malaysian government (via PCGamesN), but Fight of Gods has been removed from the online store. We will update once again when we have official word on the matter from its publisher PQube. Read below for the original story.
Original Story: In what might be the most surprising news today, the country of Malaysia has reportedly banned all of Steam because of one game that recently launched on the PC service.
The game in question is Fight of Gods, a fighting game that released earlier this week on September 4th, 2017. The early access title already made headlines for its rather controversial content nature.
As the name implies, Fight of Gods has you selecting from a cast of gods, spirits, and mythological characters to brawl in a game where the entire universe is at stake. Notably, it sees people like Jesus squaring off against Buddha in intense, destructive 2D battles.
Also: Jesus Beats Up Buddha in Controversial New Game Fight of Gods
However, the controversy does not end with prominent religious figures beating one another, as today, the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia is not having its touchy subject matter at all.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission called for a ban of the game, with the pending threat of further action should it not be removed in the next 24 hours.
According to an email we received from publisher PQube, the publisher has not been notified by the Malaysian Government at all and had to find out through various reports that all of Steam is now blocked, because of its game.
Here is the full, official statement on the matter that we were given from a representative of 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.”
Publisher PQube has reached out to Valve on behalf of developer Digital Crafter to resolve the matter quickly. We will keep you updated on this developing story. What do you guys think about the controversy surrounding Fight of Gods and Malaysia’s decision?
