Steam pulls video game following MCMC block

KUALA LUMPUR: Popular gaming platform Steam has agreed to comply with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) request to prevent the Fight of Gods video game from being downloaded by users in the country.

Access to Steam was blocked on Friday after it failed to comply with the 24-hour ultimatum given by MCMC to disable downloads of the game by Malaysian users.

The commission, in a statement posted on its Facebook page yesterday, said access restriction against the steampowered.com website would be lifted.

“MCMC is committed to protecting the interest of consumers in Malaysia, and will not compromise on any action that can jeopardise the sanctity of religion and multiracial harmony in the country,” the statement said.

On Sept 7, MCMC said it had asked Steam to prevent the game, which featured Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha as fight characters, from being downloaded by Malaysian users.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said the game degraded religions and religious leaders, as well as posed a “huge threat” to racial unity and harmony.

“This action is necessary to protect users and to prevent untoward incidents. (To ensure) solidarity, harmony and wellbeing of the multiracial and multireligious people in the country is the main objective of the government.”