UK Counter-Terrorism Unit Forces Valve to Remove Controversial Shooter from Steam
Valve has withdrawn the game Fursan al-Aqsa: The Knights of the Al-Aqsa Mosque from its UK Steam storefront following a request from the UK’s Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU). The decision, which has sparked debate over censorship and double standards, stems from concerns raised by British authorities about the game’s politically sensitive content.
Game Removed After Counter-Terrorism Request
The first-person/third-person shooter, which portrays the Israel-Palestine conflict from a Palestinian perspective, was removed after Valve contacted its Brazilian developer, Nidal Nijm. In an email, Valve stated it had “received a request from authorities in the UK to block the game and have applied such country restrictions.”
When Nijm asked why his game was banned while other violent shooters like Call of Duty remained available, Valve responded:
“We were contacted by the Counter Terrorism Command of the United Kingdom, specifically the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU)… we have to comply with their requests.”
A CTIRU spokesperson confirmed its collaboration with online platforms but declined to comment on specific cases, citing confidentiality.
Developer Claims Double Standards
Nijm strongly criticized the decision, calling it politically motivated.
“The region lock of my game in the UK was clearly due to political reasons,” Nijm stated. “On their flawed logic, the latest Call of Duty: Black Ops should be banned as well. In that game, you play as an American soldier killing Iraqi people. This reflects a clear double standard.”
The developer also pointed out that the game had already faced bans in Germany and Australia for not undergoing classification by their respective boards.
A Controversial History
Originally released in April 2022, the game has been updated to include references to the October 7th attacks in Israel, further amplifying its polarizing reputation. Dubbed “the Palestinian Max Payne on steroids” by its creator, the game describes itself as “the most BASED game of all times,” a characterization that has fueled both criticism and support.
While unavailable in the UK, Fursan al-Aqsa remains accessible in other countries, including the US. In the UK, attempting to access the game’s Steam page results in an error message stating, “This item is currently unavailable in your region.”
Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression
The removal of Fursan al-Aqsa has reignited debates about the role of governments and platforms in regulating content. Critics argue that such bans set a dangerous precedent for political censorship, while supporters believe the restrictions are necessary to prevent potential misuse of sensitive material.
For now, the game continues to provoke strong reactions worldwide, spotlighting the challenges of balancing creative expression and security concerns in the digital age.
