A government agency in Malaysia has apparently blocked access to the Steam shop. The reason is the controversial game Fight of Gods.
As the site lowyat reports, a government agency in Malaysia has issued serious measures against Valve’s PC platform Steam. It is no longer possible to access the Steam shop from Malaysia, but previously purchased games can still be played there. Lowyat mentions a “DNS Block.”
Jesus vs Odin – Amaterasu vs Guan Gong – Fight!
The reason for the anger is a rather obscure fighting game. In “Fight of Gods,” deities and spiritual figures like Odin, Moses, or Amaterasu face off against each other. Apparently, Jesus and Gautama Buddha were added recently. This has led to tensions.
When fans demanded that the Prophet Mohammed be included in Fight of Gods, it apparently made the Malaysian authorities lose their patience.
Before the ban, it was reported that the Malaysian authority for the “Communication and Multimedia Commission” (MCMC) had requested Valve to geo-block Fight of Gods. If nothing happened within 24 hours, the authority would take further steps.
This apparently has now occurred.
In Germany, Fight of Gods leaves people rather indifferent, in Malaysia, it outrages the authorities
Fight of Gods has been available on Steam since September 4. German media have also reported on the early-access title, but rather as a curiosity. German sites feature titles like “Jesus beats up Buddha” (GameStar).
It did not lead to an outrage wave in Germany. On ComputerBild, the article about the game received 100% approval. On GameStar, the audience discusses mainly why Mohammed is still absent and whether Islam gets special treatment.
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia. The state religion is Islam. Until the 70s, Malays were considered rather liberal, but this has changed with a revival movement. The prohibition of images in Islam has in the past led to serious conflicts: Mohammed cartoons in a Danish newspaper triggered demonstrations in predominantly Islamic countries in 2005.
Steam capitulates: Fight of Gods no longer available for sale in Malaysia
Update 9.9.: The situation continues. Valve has now banned “Fight of Gods” for Malaysia; the game is no longer available in the shop there. In return, Malaysia has lifted the Steam ban. This is reported by Gamesbeat.
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