Electronic Arts has announced that it has changed the name of the Taliban faction in Medal of Honor's multiplayer portion after gathering feedback from "friends and families of fallen soldiers.”
Earlier this year EA skirted controversy when UK Defence Secetary Liam Fox said he was "disgusted and angry" at the fact that "someone would think it acceptable to recreate the acts of the Taliban [in a game]." EA defended itself by saying that it was only the name of one of the multiplayer factions, nothing more.
"Most of us have been doing this since we were seven: someone plays the cop, someone must be robber," said an EA spokesperson at the time. "In Medal of Honor multiplayer, someone's got to be the Taliban."
Now though, EA has changed the name of the Taliban faction to a more generic 'Opposing Force' for reasons detailed in an open letter from Medal of Honor's producer, Greg Goodrich, copied below.
"In the past few months, we have received feedback from all over the world regarding the multiplayer portion of Medal of Honor. We’ve received notes from gamers, active military, and friends and family of servicemen and women currently deployed overseas. The majority of this feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. For this, the Medal of Honor team is deeply appreciative."
"However, we have also received feedback from friends and families of fallen soldiers who have expressed concern over the inclusion of the Taliban in the multiplayer portion of our game. This is a very important voice to the Medal of Honor team. This is a voice that has earned the right to be listened to. It is a voice that we care deeply about. Because of this, and because the heartbeat of Medal of Honor has always resided in the reverence for American and Allied soldiers, we have decided to rename the opposing team in Medal of Honor multiplayer from Taliban to Opposing Force."
"While this change should not directly affect gamers, as it does not fundamentally alter the gameplay, we are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice – this franchise will never willfully disrespect, intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service."
"To all who serve – we appreciate you, we thank you, and we do not take you for granted. And to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines currently serving overseas, stay safe and come home soon."
Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
Earlier this year EA skirted controversy when UK Defence Secetary Liam Fox said he was "disgusted and angry" at the fact that "someone would think it acceptable to recreate the acts of the Taliban [in a game]." EA defended itself by saying that it was only the name of one of the multiplayer factions, nothing more.
"Most of us have been doing this since we were seven: someone plays the cop, someone must be robber," said an EA spokesperson at the time. "In Medal of Honor multiplayer, someone's got to be the Taliban."
Now though, EA has changed the name of the Taliban faction to a more generic 'Opposing Force' for reasons detailed in an open letter from Medal of Honor's producer, Greg Goodrich, copied below.
"In the past few months, we have received feedback from all over the world regarding the multiplayer portion of Medal of Honor. We’ve received notes from gamers, active military, and friends and family of servicemen and women currently deployed overseas. The majority of this feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. For this, the Medal of Honor team is deeply appreciative."
"However, we have also received feedback from friends and families of fallen soldiers who have expressed concern over the inclusion of the Taliban in the multiplayer portion of our game. This is a very important voice to the Medal of Honor team. This is a voice that has earned the right to be listened to. It is a voice that we care deeply about. Because of this, and because the heartbeat of Medal of Honor has always resided in the reverence for American and Allied soldiers, we have decided to rename the opposing team in Medal of Honor multiplayer from Taliban to Opposing Force."
"While this change should not directly affect gamers, as it does not fundamentally alter the gameplay, we are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice – this franchise will never willfully disrespect, intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service."
"To all who serve – we appreciate you, we thank you, and we do not take you for granted. And to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines currently serving overseas, stay safe and come home soon."
Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
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