**Hong Kong Bans Video Game for 'Promoting Armed Revolution'**
**Hong Kong Bans Video Game for 'Promoting Armed Revolution'**
Authorities prohibit a Taiwanese strategy game, flagging it as a threat to national security amid tightening control over online content.
Hong Kong's police have effectively banned the video game "Reversed Front: Bonfire," labeling it as advocating for armed revolution. The game, developed by Taiwanese group ESC Taiwan, allows players to take on roles in a fictional battle against China's Communist Party, and its removal raises concerns about political censorship.
Hong Kong's national security police have taken action against a controversial video game, effectively banning "Reversed Front: Bonfire" due to its alleged promotion of armed revolution. Issued on Tuesday, the warning advises citizens against downloading the game, with potential legal repercussions for those who do or suggest it. This move is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to exert stricter control over online content viewed as a threat to the territory.
The game, which is a war strategy developed by a Taiwanese team, offers a colorful manga-styled experience where players can embody characters from regions such as Taiwan, Mongolia, and Hong Kong, and engage in simulated conflicts against the Chinese Communist Party. Players have the choice to align either with rebels or government forces.
While "Reversed Front" was removed from the app store in Hong Kong on Wednesday, it continues to be accessible in other regions. Previously, it had not been available in mainland China, and earlier this month, Google excluded it from its app store for allegedly containing hateful language, according to the game's developers.
ESC Taiwan, the collective behind the game, is comprised of anonymous activists opposing the Chinese Communist Party. Their endeavors also include board games, which are funded through crowdfunding. In their statements, they criticized the game's ban as indicative of the same kind of political censorship that is prevalent in mainland China. "Our game is precisely accusing and revealing such intentions," they emphasized in an email, underscoring the new challenges to free expression and creativity in the region.
Hong Kong's national security police have taken action against a controversial video game, effectively banning "Reversed Front: Bonfire" due to its alleged promotion of armed revolution. Issued on Tuesday, the warning advises citizens against downloading the game, with potential legal repercussions for those who do or suggest it. This move is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to exert stricter control over online content viewed as a threat to the territory.
The game, which is a war strategy developed by a Taiwanese team, offers a colorful manga-styled experience where players can embody characters from regions such as Taiwan, Mongolia, and Hong Kong, and engage in simulated conflicts against the Chinese Communist Party. Players have the choice to align either with rebels or government forces.
While "Reversed Front" was removed from the app store in Hong Kong on Wednesday, it continues to be accessible in other regions. Previously, it had not been available in mainland China, and earlier this month, Google excluded it from its app store for allegedly containing hateful language, according to the game's developers.
ESC Taiwan, the collective behind the game, is comprised of anonymous activists opposing the Chinese Communist Party. Their endeavors also include board games, which are funded through crowdfunding. In their statements, they criticized the game's ban as indicative of the same kind of political censorship that is prevalent in mainland China. "Our game is precisely accusing and revealing such intentions," they emphasized in an email, underscoring the new challenges to free expression and creativity in the region.
