Having a hard time accessing Steam lately? It’s not just you.
According to a report by The Star, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) “has blocked access to popular gaming platform Steam” because of the new video game Fight of Gods.
The new game has become controversial after the MCMC and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak gave Steam a 24-hour “ultimatum” to cease all downloads in Malaysia.
Salleh told The Star, “This action is necessary to protect the users and to prevent untoward incidents (to ensure) solidarity, harmony and well-being of the multi-racial and multi-religious people in the country are the main objectives of the Government.”
This ultimatum was given after the MCMC found out that the game features characters like Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha. The Star said that Salleh believed the Taiwanese-developed game “degraded religions and religious leaders and posed a huge threat to racial unity and harmony.”
He also cited Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998, where “creating and spreading offensive content” is considered an offense.
Steam users who have downloaded the game prior to the block may still access it. However, no new downloads and purchases can be made.
