Sharjah: Sharjah municipality has launched a crackdown against the distribution of a controversial video game which has been banned.
Several residents complained about the game as it contains material offensive to religion, values and social norms.
The 18-rated video game God of War is based on Greek mythology that encourages players to kill different "gods" to reach the next level of the game. It contained sexual scenes.
A UAE national said he was one of the people who was shocked to discover that the game was distributed in commercial areas, including the Central Souq, Al Rolla and sports shops in Nuammiya.
"I knew that it was banned, but many of my friends were able to buy pirated copies from Dh5 to Dh10. I was shocked to see how much it contradicted Islamic values," said Khalid Bin Deemas, adding that it was dangerous as the video game was popular among children.
The permanent fatwa committee has instructed all concerned government departments to forbid the sale of such games and to confiscate them.
A Sharjah Municipality official confirmed that they continue to confiscate all video games that contain language and scenes that offend the religion, values and traditions of the country, including God of War. The games were confiscated during recent inspections.
Have Your Say
Have you noticed increased bad behaviour in a child that could be attributed to violent video games? Tell us about it. Are there enough regulations to check the sale of video games to minors? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com
Your comments
I have played God of War and I think it is an entertaining and technically good game.
kam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 12:22
It has been given an 18+ rating for a reason. The store owners should be penalized for selling the game to minors.
Fahad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 11:35
The ban of such immoral videos and games is always appreciated.
Muneeruddeen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 10:20
What about offensive music? It makes no sense to ban a video game when there are larger factors that are a danger to children.
Mark
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 10:10
This shows how responsible these people are. It is our duty to create a positive environment around us.
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 10:04
This is a joke right? Have the people questioning this game even played it? I have played it and enjoyed it thoroughly. I am a devout Muslim and though the game has some adult scenes, it is in no way anti-Islamic.
Ahmed
Toronto,Canada
Posted: April 17, 2008, 10:03
Residents complaining about getting offended by a fictional video game seems very hypocritical.
Rahman
abu dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 09:46
Currently most of the games available in the market are full of bloodshed and violence and they are sold openly
Rizwan
sharjah,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 09:27
Ban it! I already finished that game
Sharif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 09:18
The government has taken a right step in banning such games. Children are the future of the nation. The future of the nation very much depend on how it groom its children and youth.In my openion all those toys and games which promote voilence should be restricted.
Moin
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 17, 2008, 08:07
In my opinion all violent games should be banned.
Maryam
Sharjah,United Arab Emirates
Posted: April 17, 2008, 05:59
Then don't sell it to minors. It's just a game. It's purely malice.
Kiko
Deira,Dubai
Posted: April 17, 2008, 02:26
I have grown up in dubai all my life and i have played the 'God of war' video game. I don't think the game should be banned, it is clearly meant for adult gamers, it is the parents fault for allowing they're child to buy such a violent video game.
A.F
Montreal,Canada
Posted: April 17, 2008, 01:49
