EA feels the heat and removes Taliban from Medal of Honor

01 Oct 2010 at 15:39:47 by John Robertson

Fresh off the news that Medal of Honor has secured the highest number of pre-orders in the series' history, a statement released on the game's official website today - from MOH Executive Producer Greg Goodrich - has confirmed that the playable Taliban element of the multiplayer has been removed.

The multiplayer faction formerly known as 'Taliban' will now go by the name 'Opposing Force'.

The statement saysthe decision to remove the Taliban has come as a result of "feedback from friends and families of fallen soldiers".  Earlier last month US videogame retailer GameStop had agreed to ban the game from its stores "out of respect for our past and present men and women in uniform".

Goodrich's full statement:

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.
 
Greg Goodrich
Executive Producer
Medal of Honor

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