U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has urged Valve to remove the game Fursan al-Aqsa: The Knights of the Al-Aqsa Mosque from Steam, a platform for video games. The game, which allows players to take on the role of a Palestinian resistance fighter, has faced significant criticism and controversy. It was created by Brazilian developer Nidal Nijm and has been banned in various countries, including the United Kingdom, after concerns were raised by counter-terrorism units. Additionally, the European Union has blocked the game due to alleged violations of regulations targeting the online spread of terrorist content.
The controversy gained attention after the game’s updates referenced real-world conflicts, such as Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, with imagery and gameplay mechanics associated with violence against Israeli forces. Critics, including Torres, have accused the game of glorifying antisemitic violence and terrorism. Torres argued in his letter to Valve that hosting the game on Steam makes the company complicit in promoting such content and called for its removal in the United States.
Nijm, the developer, has defended the game, arguing that it provides a narrative of Palestinian resistance and challenges double standards in how controversial themes are treated in video games. He contrasted Fursan al-Aqsa with military shooters like Call of Duty, which often depict real-world wars and controversial weaponry, claiming his work is unfairly targeted.
Despite the controversy, the game has a limited player base and an “overwhelmingly positive” review score on Steam. However, its presence on the platform has sparked an ongoing debate about freedom of speech, representation, and the limits of acceptable content in gaming. Valve has not yet responded to calls for the game’s removal or provided a public comment.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/gaming/492245/fursan-al-aqsa-steam-game-removal-ritchie-torres
The controversy gained attention after the game’s updates referenced real-world conflicts, such as Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, with imagery and gameplay mechanics associated with violence against Israeli forces. Critics, including Torres, have accused the game of glorifying antisemitic violence and terrorism. Torres argued in his letter to Valve that hosting the game on Steam makes the company complicit in promoting such content and called for its removal in the United States.
Nijm, the developer, has defended the game, arguing that it provides a narrative of Palestinian resistance and challenges double standards in how controversial themes are treated in video games. He contrasted Fursan al-Aqsa with military shooters like Call of Duty, which often depict real-world wars and controversial weaponry, claiming his work is unfairly targeted.
Despite the controversy, the game has a limited player base and an “overwhelmingly positive” review score on Steam. However, its presence on the platform has sparked an ongoing debate about freedom of speech, representation, and the limits of acceptable content in gaming. Valve has not yet responded to calls for the game’s removal or provided a public comment.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/gaming/492245/fursan-al-aqsa-steam-game-removal-ritchie-torres
