UK Counter-Terrorism Unit Requests Removal of Controversial Shooter from Steam
Valve has taken swift action in response to a request from the UK’s counter-terrorism unit, removing a game from its British Steam storefront. The game in question, FPS/TPS Fursan al-Aqsa: The Knights of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, has been at the center of controversy due to its portrayal of the Israel x Palestine conflict from a Palestinian perspective.
The Request and Response
The removal of the game came after Steam contacted the developer, Nidal Nijm, to inform him that they had received a request from the UK authorities to block the game and had applied country restrictions accordingly. Nijm was surprised by this action and questioned the specific reason for the UK ban, comparing his game to other shooter games available on Steam like Call of Duty. Steam’s response cited compliance with the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) of the UK as the reason for the ban, emphasizing the need to adhere to regional content regulations.
Developer’s Response and Criticism
In a statement to the press, Nijm expressed frustration with the UK government and authorities, attributing the region lock of his game to political motivations. He criticized the perceived double standards in banning his game while allowing other shooter games with similar themes to remain accessible. Nijm’s game, which has been described as “the Palestinian Max Payne on steroids” and the “most BASED game of all times,” has faced bans in Germany and Australia for circumventing classification boards.
Global Availability and Impact
Despite the restrictions in the UK, Fursan al-Aqsa remains available for purchase online outside the country, including in the US. The game’s Steam page now displays an error message for UK users, indicating that the item is unavailable in their region. This incident highlights the complex intersection of video game content, political sensitivities, and regulatory oversight, sparking debates about censorship, artistic expression, and international relations in the digital age.
