News

GameStop pulls video game that lets players be the Taliban

September 1, 2010

Video game industry site Kotaku reports that retailer GameStop has elected not to sell or advertise the upcoming Electronic Arts game "Medal of Honor" in its on-base stores, because one of the game's modes allows players to assume the role of Taliban fighters.

In an email obtained by Kotaku, originally sent from GameStop headquarters to all of its stores, the company explains its rationale:

"GameStop has agreed out of respect for our past and present men and women in uniform we will not carry Medal of Honor in any of our AAFES based stores... As such, GameStop agreed to have all marketing material pulled by noon today and to stop taking reservations. Customers who enter our AAFES stores and wish to reserve Medal of Honor can and should be directed to the nearest GameStop location off base."

"Medal of Honor" is a first-person shooter game. The upcoming edition is set in Afghanistan, and in multiplayer mode, one or more players can elect to play as Taliban fighters.

As of this writing, the game is available for pre-order online from Walmart, Target and Best Buy.