Fight of Gods, a brawler game that features mythological figures from real-world religions, has drawn controversy and has been banned in Malaysia.
The title actually caused the entire Steam service to be banned in the country, but the restriction was eventually lifted after Fight of Gods was removed from the Malaysia Steam Store.
What Is 'Fight Of Gods' All About?
Fight of Gods is an over-the-top fighting game that features a roster including Jesus, Buddha, Moses, Zeus, Anubis, Odin, and other mythological figures.
"For the first time ever, gods, holy spirits and mythological characters from around the globe and throughout history will clash in an explosive 2D fighter where the entire world is at stake!" the game's description on Steam reads. The brawler features a four-button fighting system and stages such as Mount Olympus and the Garden of Eden.
Fight of Gods is still on Early Access, but Steam reviews have so far been very positive. The game will likely not reach the same heights as another Early Access game, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, but its popularity was likely given a boost due to the controversy that it generated in Malaysia.
Steam Banned In Malaysia Due To 'Fight Of Gods'
The Malaysian government determined that Fight of Gods was a threat to "racial unity and harmony," and temporarily banned the entire Steam service to prevent the game's spread in the country.
"From reports we are reading, this is due to a single game that conflicts with local laws," said Valve communications head Doug Lombardi. "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."
The ban against Steam, which was ordered by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, has been lifted, but Fight of Gods is no longer available on the Malaysian version of the service.
PQube, the developer of Fight of Gods, issued a statement in response to Malaysia's actions against the game, claiming that the title takes a humorous approach to religion that has been seen in other entertainment platforms such as TV shows, films, and books.
"The game is not promoting any religious agenda and is not designed to offend," the developer said in the statement, adding that it is disappointed in the lack of freedom of choice in Malaysia by the government's forcing of Valve to remove the game from the country's Steam Store.
It looks like Fight of Gods will not be banned anytime soon in the United States. If you're interested in seeing what the fuss is all about, the fighting game can be downloaded for a current promo price of about $4.80.
