New video game features Jesus, Buddha as fighters

Religious leaders in Malaysia want government to act against game, which was developed in Taiwan, saying it must be banned and blocked from download.

PETALING JAYA: A new video game has created much controversy as it features Jesus Christ and Buddha among its stable of “fighters”.

Fight of Gods is inspired by one-on-one brawling games such as Street Fighter, with players trying to use their “fighter” to defeat their opponent’s “fighter”.

Developed by Digital Crafter from Taiwan, the game has got religious leaders and avid game players mad over the depiction of Jesus and Buddha around such violent acts as seen in the video.

The growing popularity of the game has also got religious leaders in the country concerned and outraged at the same time.

Various religious leaders have commented against the game, calling for the government to ban the game.

“The government should immediately ban the game or block the download link to avoid the potential of religious tension in the country.

“Any religion and religious leaders who are rational would condemn the game, as I’m sure no religion encourages violence and fighting against each other,” Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin was quoted as saying by theSun.

“Most gamers may play just for fun, but some may take it seriously and this could lead to hatred towards other religions.”

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) deputy president RS Mohan Shan also denounced the game for mocking religion.

“This is a very sensitive issue, and it is totally not acceptable. We can never agree to such games. The government must take immediate action to ban the game’s sale here.

“It is also unhealthy for children as they may idolise certain characters in the game they deem them to be more powerful due to the number of victories they score with that character,” Mohan told theSun.

Council of Churches Malaysia general-secretary Rev Hermen Shastri also weighed in on the controversial game.

“The use of names and likeness of deities and religious figures in the production of games is the height of insensitivity and disrespect,” Hermen was quoted as saying by the daily.

Game enthusiasts on the game’s message boards online have questioned the developers for not including any Hindu deities and the Prophet Muhammad. However, many users have suggested that it is out of fear of reprisals.

Aside from Jesus and Buddha, the other “fighters” are Odin, Sif, Zeus, Athena, Anubis, and Amaterasu. Even Moses and a Chinese historical figure, Guan Gong, are included in the game, though they are not considered a god of any kind. - FMT