"Fortnite" is facing an opposition in the form of an Indonesian Minister who is asking for the game to be banned in the country due to a user-created map it features in-game.
Minister for Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno has revealed that there are plans to ban "Fortnite" in the Asian country due to a map that allegedly allows players to destroy a building that resembles a holy site for Muslims.
'Fortnite' Faces Potential Ban in Indonesia: What is Wrong With the Map
"Fortnite" features user-generated maps in the game, but one map in particular has caught the attention of the Indonesian Minister.
The map in question allegedly allows players to destroy a building that looks like the Kaaba. The Kaaba is located at the center of the Masjid al-Haram Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered very sacred to Muslims.
"The game 'Fortnite' is directly against lofty values, especially religious ones," the Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister said in a statement, according to GameStop.
He also said that it "can trigger disrespectful behavior between religious communities and encourage acts of violence."
Minister Uno has revealed that he has asked for a team to conduct an investigation over the matter. The team has also been instructed to "issue a ban" in the hopes that other game developers will take it as a warning to be careful with their games.
The minister likewise said that he "heard the structure could be destroyed on the map and players would be awarded weapons." He also said that he heard players can advance through the level after the structure is destroyed.
According to GameStop, fellow Indonesian Minister Johnny G. Plate has acknowledged that the map at the center of the controversy was not made by the game's developer, Epic Games.
Related Article: WATCH: Here's How to Play Fortnite BTS' 'Dynamite' Map In Creative Mode- Explore and Complete All Challenges!
Epic Games Responds to Call for a Ban
In a statement posted on the official Facebook page for "Fortnite" Middle East, game developer Epic Games clarified that "the content referred to was an island made by a player in creative mode - Creative - where on the island you can't destroy the Holy Kaaba."
The developer likewise stressed that the company respects all religions and that they are always closely working with content creators to ensure a "same gaming experience" for everyone playing "Fortnite."
'Fortnite' Game Background
"Fortnite" is an online video game released in 2017 by game developer Epic Games. The game has three game modes that use the same game engine. The three game modes likewise have similar graphics and game mechanics.
"Fornite: Save the World" is cooperative game that features as a player-vs-environment style of play. Four players must cooperate with one another in order to do various missions in the game that involve saving survivors and defending home base shelters.
"Fortnite: Battle Royal" is the second game mode of "Fortnite." Up to 100 players can play this mode at the same time. Players can play on their own or as part of a duo or squad. The player-vs-player game ends when one solo player, duo, or squad remains standing.
"Fortnite Creative" is the third and last game mode. It allows players to spawn everything "Fortnite" and create their own games and challenges. The user-generated map at the center of the controversy in Indonesia was created in this game mode.
"Fortnite" has become a wildly successful game among players that in 2018, "Fortnite" was scrutinized after gaming addiction was officially declared as a mental health disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Recently, it has been rumored that LeBron James will be joining "Fortnite" as an icon skin.
Also Read: 'Fortnite' Guide: How to 'Reboot a Friend' and Earn Rewards for Playing Together
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isabella James
