EA Buckles Under Pressure, Removes Taliban from MoH

Kotaku Writes: "Responding to pressure from friends and families of fallen soldiers, Electronic Arts today said they are removing the Taliban as playable characters from their upcoming military shooter Medal of Honor."

[zootang]

I have just lost interest in this game. What ever happened to creative freedom. Censorship FTL!

[TROLL EATER]

EA hasnt got balls

[Winter47th]

So we'll play against "ze Germanz" again.

[deafwing]

Caliban ... and we'll all know who they mean.

[nycredude]

This is what is wrong with this world. All it was is a freaking name, and everyone is up in arms and criticizing the game. All they did was change the name and now everything is cool. Goes to show how much of a non issue it was in the first place. The only thing people care about is getting their voice heard, fvcking media whores.

This wasn't about the Taliban or anything but free publicity for those complaining.

[Longrod_Von_Hugendon]

All they did was change the name from Taliban to opposing force. And because of that you decided that this game no longer has any value whatsoever? GTFO troll.

This changes nothing. EA should have stood their ground but at the same time it's just a game. The people who lost sons/daughters are going through a traumatic time right now so I understand.

We still have our game and it's still coming out on the 12th so I don't really care about anything else.

@zootang

Oh my god you've been denied your rights and freedoms...REVOLT! HUR DURR

This is a non-issue.

[zootang]

@Longrod

Sorry I don't support censorship. I like freedoms. You bend over and let the man stick it to you!

Side note: I've gone nuts.

[UnwanteDreamz]

I love how people who don't play games get to dictate what is in them. I will start a Taliban Clan. (in game) No women allowed!!!!!

[jakethesnake]

Sorry, but this isn't censorship, it's just caving to market pressure. Censorship is when someone is prevented or forbidden from releasing something. No one forced them to do anything, they were just afraid of losing a lot of money and so made a business decision to make a simple name change.

I think the whole controversy is lame, but don't call it censorship when it is a free choice by EA. I hate censorship, and frankly, this ain't it.

[RedDead]

Too bad, I would have bought the game just to support their iron(now copper) balls....too bad

[DarkTower805]

You say this changes nothing? I think this changes everything. Having Taliban is whan seperated MOH from all other FPS games. Calling them OpFor is totally different, any enemy force is OpFor, Taliban was a specific faction. Now its basically a COD clone, with nothing to distinguish it from other COD or BFBC games. I expect a lot of sales to be lost as I'm sure the word will spread quickly.

[evrfighter]

that's too bad. Just too bad. I would cancel my pre-order if I paid full price. I paid $29.99 so I'll stick with it.

As stupid as it sounds. Gamers will lose a lot of respect for you if you start bowing down to "The Man".

[kancerkid]

pussies

[The Killer]

they say its not censorship, yet they put big pressure on them to remove their freedom.

the mosque in Manhattan legally allowed yet they are pressuring them to not build it for pathetic reasons that yet no proof that any Muslim was involved in it.

i tell u something guys, pressure can be more powerful than laws in many cases!!

pressure made Pakistan give up their allies the Taliban!! pressure made many countries bend over for American instruction!

[finbars75]

WTF they got balls.The taliban isnt totally taken out of the game.You guy in this room are hypricates.One minute you see the awsome gameplay from the game and say I cant wait to buy this game then they remove some of the taliban from the game and oh they have no balls.Love to see you do a better job at creating a game that has consequnces around it and see how you manage.Bunch of PU%%ies on this site.The game is still going to be great regardless.Just go and play your Black ops ans see how many plagued things will go on in this game and then you will say the same thing about tryearch(NO BALLS EITHER)fake ass gammers on n4g now a days.This isnt about freedom of speech but freedom to make choices in life.Do I play this game now that they took some of the taliban out or should I just pass on this because they supposdley buckled.PLzzzzzz.

[AndrewRyan]

Americans vs. Taliban are bad? How about the fucking Nazis who would fucking put jews in god damn gas chamber or even fucking torture them to death and steal from them and fucking set them on fire? Is that okay? Oh of course it is because we allow that but not some fucking desert terrorists who bombed a couple places around the world which is fucking horrible yes, but the Nazis killed around 6 million jews and yet we get to play games where the Nazis win in multiplayer! Great! This makes perfect sense!

[paintsville]

Hmmm. I understand the discontent from the families and such, but videogames are a medium much like newspapers, magazines, art, tv, and therefore should be protected under "freedom" of speech. I am disappointed in the move by EA.

[SilentNegotiator]

"I have just lost interest in this game"

Frankly, I have no intention to support a product of creative media that buckles under the pressure from people who aren't their intended audience.

[Zydake]

Wow not even the creators of south park pussied out and they were threatened to be killed

[Defective Bot]

See this is what I don't fucking get, they whined because you had the option of playing as the Taliban but they didn't fucking realize that you also play against the Taliban. If anything Fighting against the Taliban should have been a huge selling point as it's being patriotic since you're fighting against America's real life enemy and not some generic doppelganger like many games have. Fucking conservative pussies. I was going to buy the game day one, even though I knew it wasn't going to be that great, just because of EA's bravery to swim against the tide but now I'm just going to wait until It's $20. Still buying NFSHP though.

[RememberThe357]

You call them pussies? For what? When the mother of a dead soldier gives you a call and asks you to remove something that she feels is in sensitive, your going to listen. Like Goodrich says, they earned their right to be heard. This isn't about censorship, this is about respect and honor. It seems however, that many of you don't understand these concepts and therefore I'm wasting my time...

And bubbles to Longrod for telling it like it is and not and not succumbing to ignorance.

@below: I get your point, but this not about logic. This is about people from our culture who have lost family members to preserve that culture. My point is not the get into whether what we do over seas is right or not. The point is that this game is made for Americans not the Taliban. If it was made for the Taliban, we'd see the same thing but in reverse.

"People die. Get over it." Sorry I can't do that, I have a heart. And frankly the fact that you would write that shows that you are a heartless person for you haven't had much death in your life.

I think it's pretty sad that you could see the tears of a mother who has lost her son and basically tell her to shove it.I was raised differently, I respect peoples opinions and emotions even if I don't agree with them.

Not all of these people are the bible thumping Fox News types. Many are regular people who, like you and me, expressed their opinion on the matter.

I don't agree with this at all, but I respect their reasoning. And the fact that you cannot show the same respect shows your past the point of providing any positive input into any kind of community.

[kancerkid]

@RememberThe357

I would not remove content in a game just because someone asked me to. They is no difference between playing as the Taliban or playing as US soldiers. Both sides kill people. Both sides have and will kill innocent people. What is someone lobbied for them to take out the US soldiers because it dishonored them supporting the Taliban. The argument would have the same logic, and thus, in your case, the argument would still hold.

People die. Get over it. if these people can't discern pixels from reality, they are well passed the point of providing positive input into the gaming community.

[DeadIIIRed]

This situation is how you would define irony. A few soldiers fight and die to defend our freedoms and consequently their families use their deaths to pressure a publisher to omit certain aspects of a game. I personally don't like hearing news like this only because it can open a floodgate of similar incidences and spill into other markets.

[Defective Bot]

"'People die. Get over it.' Sorry I can't do that, I have a heart. And frankly the fact that you would write that shows that you are a heartless person for you haven't had much death in your life. "

No that's call being a mature adult, people do die every day, that's a part of life so accept it and move on. Only a kid would cry for every single person that dies in the world. For every person that leaves this world, another one is born in their place and those that left go on to a better place.

[RememberThe357]

I don't disagree. But you also cannot expect a mother or father to just shrug off the death of their child either. When my friends or family die I don't shrug it off, it bothers me. I believe in life after death, I believe that when you die your gone. So when someone I love is gone and no longer experiencing life, it bothers me.

You want to talk about being mature adult? Respect and honor are corner stones to that. EA has show both and yet we have a bunch of people on their case about it. It's immature and pathetic.

[Dee_91]

i just wanna shoot people
no reason to "cancel preorders" or not buy the game
thats dumb

[UnwanteDreamz]

With all do respect, I think you are wrong. People are offended for all types of reasons. We as a society must do our best to protect art and free expression. Like a nude portrait of a woman, if you don't want to see then dont look. No one would be forcing her to play this game. What about TV shows and movies that depict Americans dying in war? What about books? Is she upset and calling for that to stop? I had a child die in my arms and It had a huge impact on me but I wouldn't try to keep something like that from being refferenced or dramatised even if I wouldn't want to see it or hear about it.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

@nycredude

"All it was is a freaking name"

And one 90% os the people in the world don't fully understand what mean/is.

[SkyGamer]

I like how everyone preaches freedom and other bs but you still vote for democratics government that abuses their power and takes OH SO much freedom away from us. If you think this is bad, this is nothing compared to what goes on in Congress. Intead of worrying about a "Video Game" why don't you worry about your ACTUAL civil liberties about to become vaporware.

[lonix]

Its a towlie ban

[comp_ali]

free speech ...my ass
Not buying this game.

[rezzah]

Free speech was always controlled by the government. Sure you can say whatever you want, but when you start to say things that they personally dont like you get a gun to your head.

[Ares84PS3]

There is two ways they do it. One (communism, fascism and other dictator ships) they tell you if you say this or that you will be arrested and/or killed. The other (democratic, republic and other "free" nations) they tell you to say whatever you like because you are free, but what they don't tell you and it's in the small letter section is if you do you will get arrested and/or killed.

So they are both the same really but one tells you straight up and the other doesn't.

You can say whatever you wan anywhere on this planet because you do have that freedom but you must face the consiquences of said words no matter where you are.

[RedDead]

Yeah but atleast there is some rebels who are willing to use free speech like it should be used, I thought this game would be the first to do it. Too bad Ea buckled under the pressure and yet again gaming get's as* fu**ed by the media. But it's ok if films use the taliban???

[Kleptic]

you guys are making a big deal out of nothing...You had to see this coming...

its not 'free speech' or anything like that...its people directly involved with what the taliban represents...that DON'T want them glorified...thats why simply changing the name makes it ok...

If you play in multiplayer as a 'taliban soldier'...you WILL 'kill' allied forces...unless you absolutely suck at the game...and thats the message these people don't want coming across...and as retarded as our youth seems to be right now, I can't really come up with an argument to 'they can handle it'...the taliban are not fictional sci-fi characters...they are 100% real bad guys...that are really killing people right now...I am actually surprised they left it alone for this long...

I guess its different with 'historical' WWII titles...but even most of those would never put the players as 'nazis'...they would just title it off like 'germans' or 'axis'...but the big difference is that the 'good guys' won that war...We've done shit to the taliban more or less, because they don't really have a goal in the first place...just kill American forces, and rape their own woman and children...which they are doing just fine...

I say fuck 'em...the less headlines the taliban gets the better...too bad this whole mess gave them more attention than if they would have just left the game alone in the first place...But to say that EA are pussies because they gave in to the wishes of fallen soldiers' families is simply ignorant...as the press release points out...they are the only voices that matter in this...if they don't want it, then don't do it...like they said, it doesn't change the game at all...

most of the people on this site have never even fired a real gun...and I'm not soap boxing saying i'm so much more enlightened about war and its ramifications...only that our opinions on a matter such as this are irrelevant...we are just a bunch of people wanting to play a video game, we don't matter...

[Iraq Resistance ROM]

you are stupid and full of stupidity!

Taliban the bad guys? maybe for you but not many nations in the world including Afghanistan!

Taliban don't have goals? maybe u were watching Disney land when they were reporting what the leader of Taliban wanted!

who is the leader of Taliban and whats his goals?

watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[ZombieNinjaPanda]

@Kleptic

Video game. If you cannot play as the Taliban in a video game, then I believe it's all fair that every single War Movie that's going to come out in the future have the Taliban removed.

Cuz ya know, that's all fair.

[Panthers]

Its not like they couldnt do it, they just think it will hurt sales. Its not like they dont have the free speech to do this, but when you exercise free speech, you have a chance to offend people. They are not being forced to change, they are doing it because they are worried from a business standpoint.

[Panthers]

And you act like you speak for all of Afghanistan. Many people there are against the Taliban. And YES they are the bad guys. They use civilians as shields and are no different than Terrorists. They just want power and control over the people.

[RedDead]

@ iraq resistance

It's the way they go about it that makes them the "bad" guys but I also agree the US are twats for their current standpoint and the media making them the "good" guy's, they're not the good guys. They
Fu** up to much to be considered the "good" guys by people who actually think instead of believing the media.

And Panther, that's the point. You shoot US/british soldiers in other games. They worry for their sales? Who's fault is that, the US army banned it from barracks etc didn't they. They lose sales for something they shouldn't lose sales for.

[RememberThe357]

"you are stupid and full of stupidity!"

That sentence right there makes you a complete hypocrite.

Zombie: That doesn't make any sense. The problem was not that the Taliban are depicted in the game, it's that they may have had a platform to be glorified. Did anyone actually read the article?

[theonlylolking]

Games should have censor like on tv so these crazzy peeps dont go crying.

[Shackdaddy836]

The annoying thing is that those people who complained are still not going to buy the game and will still try to ban it. Therefore no one wins.

[Ares84PS3]

It is disgusting to me that these people complain about something they have no idea about and will never in a million years buy the product but still want it to be destroyed.

Well, I don't care abot bikes. Let's ban bikes because thousnads die every year do to bike accidesnts. What about their families??

Supid argument is stupid and stupidity won in this one. It's sad.

[Ocelot525]

conservative america wins this round...

[Jack-Pyro]

But we shall yet win the war!

[krisq]

"we have decided to rename the opposing team in Medal of Honor multiplayer from Taliban to Opposing Force."

They've just changed the name. Sucks though.

[nickjkl]

wait a minute so changing the name makes everything better WHAT THE FUCK im gong to go yell into my pillow for a min

[Qui-Gon Jim]

I think that might offend my pillow. Maybe you should yell into your "sleep headrest" instead.

[SSKILLZ]

Lmao, yeah I guess it does.

[mugoldeneagle03]

I was probably going to rent this anyway, as my Fall "must buy" list is already pushing 6+ games, but I kind of feel bad for EA. I have a feeling this game gets tore apart in reviews, and for all the wrong reasons.

The *SPOILER*

Airport execution scene in MW2 didn't change those 9.5 scores from huge sites, I'm hoping MoH doesn't get the shaft for including realistic elements like this. I mean, it's basically the same thing, no?

And I loved the MoH games back in the day. Only other online shooter I played for PS2 other than SOCOM I-CA. Really hoping this first release jump started the series, and I still do.

Sadly, I think it will be overlooked this year

[talltony]

They are not changing the way the taliban looks. they are just changing what the game calls them which is "opposing force"

[FFXI101]

Sure it feels like a letdown but if you like the game like I do(I'm still getting the game) then it really won't matter that much what they called.

Cause you know the enemy ARE the "Taliban" I mean would anyone stop playing Halo:Reach if they were name the enemy something else? or does it matter what the enemy is called in SOCOM or in CoD?

I think most company under the same circumstance would make the same decision like EA did. We know it we may not like it but that doesn't stop me from playing/enjoy the game.

[Alcohog]

They won't change anything, they will probably just be 'terrorists' instead of 'Taliban'.

[chilled2m]

Orrr, you could read the article and find out what they really called them.

[gman_moose]

People complain about everything in the US. Someone would complain if you chewed the same brand of gum that their kid choked on.

I don't see how putting Taliban into a video game dishonours the memory of fallen soldiers at all. People are just way too sensitive.

I'm surprised they didn't change the emergency phone number to "912" after the 9/11 attacks.

[Christopher]

I can see why they did it, they're a business that relies on making money and therefore making people happy to buy their products.

Personally, this is BS. What about those people who have been killed by American soldiers? I didn't see these people standing up and complaining about a game that depicts soldiers killing people that look like them or are from their country.

This is the ridiculousness of American media, honestly.

[Kleptic]

more than anything EA wants medal of honor to stand toe to toe with call of duty like it used to...but they seemingly don't want to do it by becoming the 'controversial ip' alternative to cod...

brand image is tricky right now...and EA is probably fully aware of their rise in consumer minds due to Kotick basically running Activision straight into the gutter (not financially...yet...just in the minds of the public)...

So now more than ever is where EA wants to make as many people 'like' them as possible...its unlikely that the people complaining about this are even interested in buying the game in the first place...so the issue goes a whole lot deeper than if this will all effect sales of the title...if anything it will actually help it i bet...as more and more people are hearing about the game for free now...

[pangitkqb]

I'm sad to see EA crumble and I'm sad that the world is so over sensitive. The politically correct can kiss my ass.

[ThatsGaming]

This is plain stupid. In GTA you can kill cops and innocent people (and are encouraged to), but you can't play the Taliban in a war game based on modern events? WTF?

It's morally alright to make movies like Scarface, Godfather, Saw, Seven, Natural Born Killers, etc. that give glorify criminal doings, and give people ideas on the best ways to commit crimes, but it is considered morally wrong to shoot up coalition forces in a game of which they will never want to particpate in? WTF?

[danielle007]

People didn't want any of the GTAs around either. R* just never gave in. That's literally the only difference.

Plus, the difference between movies and video games is that conservative America still thinks that video games are for kids, and sure, some are, but games like this are not. They don't bother to learn the industry, they just want to condemn it all.

Plus, it's also completely different, because people have lost family members due to this war recently.. So, I don't know. I'm completely on the fence about this. I don't like that EA had to fold, but I also am not sure that having the Taliban as playable characters when - you know - people are still recovering from the recent loss of their loved ones because of this nonsense was the best idea ever.. And, if a simple name change makes it all better for all of those people who are in pain and are grieving, then why not do it?

I kind of think that this was the right way to go. It's not like it's just conservative America being like OHMYGOD THE CHILDREN. PROTECT THE CHILDREN. even though the game was never marketed to children. These are grieving people who lost their family member or friend because of this. There are worse things in the world than making a tiny change to make someone feel an ounce better in those situations.

[Ravenor]

It's not EA's job to make anyone feel better and it's not really my problem if someone is having a tough time with something. If you don't like it, don't buy it, don't pay attention to it and don't suggest it. That simple.

[Kleptic]

^^while pretty much anyone would agree with that...you're ignorant to think it really is 'that simple'...it just doesn't work like that...

The political side of this is whats the most interesting...as its the overall liberal movement of america that caused us to 'care about others feelings' so much in the first place...Don't call homosexuals names, don't call black people the n-word even if they do it to themselves repeatedly, don't punish people if they don't speak English, Don't push religion anywhere but in a church, etc. etc. etc (I'm speaking of America's changes since the 50's, not that I feel these things should have stayed the same, just overall whats changed since our grandparents were kids)....yet its 'conservative America' thats condemning a video game like this because you can play as real bad guys?...I'm as lost as anyone...and i'm not taking sides...

the double sided nature of politics in general are to blame...as an overall liberal nation we are supposed to be able to do what we want...but 'anything we want' has to fall into a category that doesn't negitively effect other people obviously...and when it happens, the only thing people care about is which political side to blame it on...

and America will piss around with this kind of thing for as long as we are all alive, and then some...So don't try to understand it...just be aware of its fundamental flaws...and understand what causes reactions, and what will come of them...you won't be surprised nearly as often...

[Longrod_Von_Hugendon]

DM

[visualb]

this was EA trying not to step on anyone's toes.

I have to say though, its a same. they should be allowed to call them what ever they want.
then again, its just the name, its not a big deal
+ everyone KNOWS its the taliban (if they play the game, and see the enemy models (which are talibans) then when playing multiplayer they will make the association

its just not CALLED that, not a big deal

[Qui-Gon Jim]

EA has the right to keep it the way they had it, but have decided to change it. They have that right, too. In a free society people can say anything they want, and societal norms and the right to express the opposing view keep things in check. The outcome isn't always what you want it to be, nor should it be, because everyone has a say. I disagree with the people who complained about the game, but those people have spoken and EA has chosen to honor their wishes. At the end of the day EA, as a publisher, are out to make money, and to do that they need to sell as many copies as they can.

[cyborg6971]

This is bullshit. A lot of bad press was brought on by that mother of a fallen soldier. And guess what if he didn't know what he was getting himself into when he signed up he shouldn't have done that. The bleeding hearts, conservatives Christians can go fuck themselves. They are stagnant non progressive dreamers that hold the human race back.

[Megaton]

Pathetic. Utterly pathetic. Thanks for buckling to those who wish to dictate the things you create, and set the industry back. Great job, EA.

[AKS]

I'm not supporting this. MoH is now off my radar. I love DICE and wanted to buy their game, but EA's bitch move cancelled this sale for me. They were supposedly working closely with current special operation forces to ensure that it was more accurate. I am disgusted that EA caved, especially so close to release. BTW, I'm a former US Marine and think the whining about a lack of sensitivity is horse$h!t. Where were these guys with the "Remember 9/11" stickers on the back of their pickup trucks when everyone was clamoring to send me into Kosovo or Bosnia? "Ah, they knew the risks...send in the ground troops!" No one gave a damn in the mid to late 90's about me and my friends who were willing to risk our lives if need be.

You want to "support and honor the troops?" Try making sure all of the massive defense budget doesn't go to greedy war profiteer executives like the crooks at Halliburton. Protest and write letters to politicians who cut VA benefits. Don't send them into wars that have no basis. Pay attention to the news so friends of mine in active duty don't have to spend their meager pay buying armor for Hummers so their friends won't get shot to hell.

Do these clownshoe idiots really think censoring a video game is the most important issue that will help veterans? So many vital issues impacting the military are completely ignored by the general public.

[Panzerkanzler]

The (AMERICAN) families who lost their kids go through a hard time right now? REALLY? And the families of all those thousands of civilians the American army has slaughtered, what about them? If anything the US forces should be called "The invaders" because after all, we can't have the true name a savage military force who condone torture and widespread killings of civilians, can we?! You fucking one eyed American nationalist.

[TradingWarStories]

This is the biggest load of BALLS! As a Muslim myself I believe this is just BULL. What about the Iraqi's and Afghani's that have had their family shot, blown and tortured in what the American's call COLLATERAL DAMAGE. F'in Bull.

Either way hopefully it will be a good game.

[frostypants]

Censorship is only a problem when it's involuntary.

They did this VOLUNTARILY. The masses complained, they determined that the bad PR wasn't worth it, so they removed it.

It's called capitalism. You need to complain louder if you want them to put it back.

[BeOneWithTheGun]

This is not censorship. They are not being "forced" to remove them. This is called a business decision to make more money. No one is saying they CAN'T leave them in the game. They are CHOOSING to remove them.

[Scary69]

Well even though the change the name to opposing forces we know what they mean *eg* I will still refer the "opposing forces" as TALIBAN b*tch*s. Still buying this game don't give a hoot about the whiners.

[RustInPeace]

What the hell kind of decision was that? It's one thing to just come under fire because of something "controversial", but it's another to compromise your creative integrity. Blame this on all sensationalist media outlets that attacked a game because of "slow" or "no news" days. I understand some would argue " It's too soon to put the Taliban in a game as playable characters" (if you were informed, it was ONLY a multiplayer SKIN, NOT ANYTHING ELSE!), but what else were they going to do? This was a "modern" scenario for the game, so what are they going to put in instead, Russians again? I'm not Russian personally, but if you think about it, shouldn't Russians be in an uproar about most FPS games where they're ALWAYS the antagonists? LAME MOVE, EA! (game would have sold anyway because of the GAMERS, NOT Fox News or any other media that attacked this)
*EDIT* I just read the story.... Opposing Forces? Sooooo.... the "fix" was just changing the name of the known enemy into an unknown "Opposing Force"? Why even waste development time? My heart goes out to the families of the fallen, but you think a simple name change will fix everything? I actually see this as an insult to fallen soldiers, making the enemy that they gave their lives to fight against an unidentified force. Weak.

[Pika-pie]

Its called respect- They spoke to the families of fallen soldiers and they didnt want them in the game.

In my opinion theres nothing wrong with having the Taliban in the game, we would all like to shoot the face off some of the scum of the earth.. The problem comes from allowing you to play as them!! It was a stupid move by EA in the first place.

People whining and moaning about freedom of speech need to get off their pedestal and understand that EA are a business, they are trying to make money off real events that affecting peoples lives today.

Imagine your friend or loved one being murdered, now how would you feel if they released a video game a few months later where you can have fun playing as that murderer because a big corporation can make money from it. Does it seem right now?

I have a friend in Afghanistan right now and I know for a fact he would have totally disapproved.

[hennessey86]

it might upset the cock bregade they do my head in. there the same wankers who tell counsils not to put christmas trees up incase it offends people. it them who cause racial tension not racists

[pixelsword]

So how is Fox news complaining about this okay and Reporters complaining about Resident Evil 5 not okay?

If they changed the locale from Africa and called it "Island Country" a lot of people would be complaining about it, but changing the word "Taliban" to "opposing force" is peachy-king...

Buttwipes.

[xAlmostPro]

agreed, i have just lost alot of respect for EA..

[mobijoker]

It has just lost the factor that was making it distinct from other fps.Sorry EA!I see no point in buying your game coz this is just another fps.

[MidnytRain]

How far will we go to accommodate our games for people who don't even play them?

[MidnytRain]

How far will we go to accommodate our games for people who don't even play them?

[dragunrising]

Once you give the enemy a real name, the conflict becomes more real. In that sense, immersion may take a small hit. However, I find it morally suspect to play as the Taliban in multiplayer. Why would anyone? They are evil and will never rest until they take Afganistan back into the Dark Ages. Regardless, giving the Taliban a generic/non-offending name makes killing allied forces less morally troubling. In Modern Warfare, the enemy for the most part are the Russians, whom are not inherantly bad but enemies regardless. Its easier to disassociate killing either "side" on account neither is truely evil. People have went to war for centuries and it truely is horrible, however, the Taliban are polarizing. The Taliban are universally seen as an evil force and playing as them is unconcionable for many people.

[thePatriot]

You will get it as DLC

[Organization XII]

falling soldiers my ass, F&*^ you EA, im not interested in your game anymore..a bunch of sissies

[The_Claw]

isnt it funny how these "friends and families of fallen soliders" succeeded in stripping away the very rights and freedoms their sons and daughters gave their lives for? kinda ironic dont ya think?

[RageAgainstTheMShine]

OTOH just slap the word "Terrorists" there problem solved!
That will make those politicians happy.

[jay2]

Oh my god, seriously, So it's ok for everyone else's countries sodiers to be killedr in a game. But these nasty people can't do it, I mean come on the US conplained about it, and people think that's fair enough, but what about the Taliban families who've lost their dads, sons, brothers and husbands. Mayb we should just stop making these game (which I detest and won't even play a free demo of for at a friends home.)

[Taggart451]

It's only just a name change. During the multiplayer portion of the game, players will be able to play as the "Opposing Force," not the Taliban. Everything else in the game will remain.

[r0gueZA]

What...that shocking!

I cant believe they would listent to the complainers

[theonlylolking]

Opposing force sounds like a bad name for a enemy.

Why couldnt they just rename them to this

Guys that look like taliban but aren't

[e-p-ayeaH]

So the singleplayer is suddendly shorter lmao

[alphakennybody]

and finally america deals a decisive blow against the taliban...oh wait this is just a game not the real talies.

[Natsu X FairyTail]

WELP! EA pussied OUT!

[Redrum059]

damnit...
i was reading your comment and hit the "agree" in the middle of reading. as soon as i did, your comment changed, and was unable to finish reading your whole comment.

:(

[theonlylolking]

Games lost this round but its not over yet. Get ready for the next one.

[gamerdude132]

That's pathetic, EA. I had expected to kill Taliban, not "Opposing Force". Who does EA think it is? A Half-Life expansion? I thought they had balls until they did this. It's only a name change, but goes through to my views of the game. Pussies.

[HeroXIV]

I honestly thought EA were going through with it. I mean... Why not actually go through with it, there hasn't really been much controversy in mainstream media.

(FOX got hold of it, but ask your family/friends/dudes on the street if they've heard about MoH having the Taliban as playable characters)

[lodossrage]

So all those games with germans, koreans, etc are ok right? Not to mention the many movies that depict the war

Welcome to Double Standards.

I can understand why EA took them out because of all the bad press they're getting....but I REALLY wish they took a stand on this one and kept the Taliban in because this is an attack on creative freedom.

[Sarick]

From my understanding a few large retailers refused to stock or sell this game. From a busyness prospective if the retailers and shops won't sell your product the it loses possible sales. They're making games to sell for a profit not their ability express creative freedom.

Retailers have a right to choose what products they sell and if they choose to not sell your product you lose sells. If this is because some minor name change in playable character names then the smart choice would be to remove that controversy completely.

EA took the controversy out to protect their sells. If you're selling something like poo-poo cakes do you think people would by them. Psychologically people would be repulsed by their name. A simple name change to YumYum Cakes could boost sells. So the obvious choice is to go with what generates the most profit even if you have to deviate from original plans.

What would you do if you was losing money over something that could easily be fixed?

[lodossrage]

I'm just saying this is a double standard.

How do Veterans of the Vietnam war or WW2 feel about all those war games based on those two wars? Nobody gave a damn about that. But because they use a modern enemy people want to whine. Retailers had NO issue with selling boatloads of those ww2 games

As I said man, I can understand EA's reasoning for talking that out. It's just someone NEEDS to stick up for freedom of speech and creativity is all.

[Sarick]

I see what you're saying , yes it's a double standard when you explain it like that. Your first post didn't explain what the double standard was. This I agree entirely.

It seems a rule of thumb stands where the public is intolerant of recent tragedies. They need at least 20 years before society tolerates them enough to avoid wide spread disapproval.

[Crystallis]

Oh wow. I'd didnt think they go as far as remove parts or names from the game.

[NoNeedForAName]

Wow...I really was considering buying this game but not now. Way to prove how pathetic you are EA. Good luck with next years Madden.

[SoulMisaki]

What everyone is assuming here is that they will be taking them out completely. They are only changing the ONE SCREEN that said Taliban, to say Opposing Force. Other than that, all the other screens will still say insurgents. And all this in only the multiplayer.

It doesn't change the game at all. So why is it influencing your buying it?

[Ravenor]

Then why was it so necessary in the first place? This isn't going to effect my decision to purchase MoH, but it certainly makes me wonder about people.

[FAGOL]

They did'nt remove the Taliban just the name. But they could of called it somthing better than the opposing force. How about Banannaliban?

[Redrum059]

lol

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Death threats.

[JustSomeLogic]

On topic though, EA do not have the beans anymore. They've lost my respect

[rumplstilts]

That's weak EA... I am dissapoint.

[lucifon]

It's only a name change. But man it sucks...finally someone had the balls to name it as it is then some people start whining and they change it back to the same name every other game pussyfoots around it with.

[NewsForMe]

I won't be buying this game now. It may just be a name change, but I won't support cowards that buckle under pressure.

[jdktech2010]

Yea, because it wasn't a good business decision. Wouldn't you be a coward by now buying it? You're letting those people that pressured EA totally win when we all know it's the Taliban and the Taliban will still be in the single player game.

I could care less whether I play as OpFor or Taliban in the multiplayer since it literally changes nothing but a name

[Qui-Gon Jim]

Doesn't that really accentuate the pointlessness of the whole debate?

[Redempteur]

now i want to know the reaction of that " mother" now ..i bet she will be overjoyed

[spdarksky]

What about in the single player campaign does still be called Taliban? What a piece of sh!t. EA no balls. PC Gamers...MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD!

[TheNocturnus]

Seriously? I do feel bad for the families of fallen soldiers but it is just a game after all. EA I am very disappointed in you. Whats next? Calling The Raiders in Madden "Black Uniform Wearing Guys"? Or in Mass Effect calling the Geth "Cyberorganic Man-like Machine Automatons" Give me a F'n break.

[LightofDarkness]

Seeing as they own the rights to call a Raider a Raider and the Geth aren't real and thus can't voice their discrimination concerns, that's not a very good analogy.

[TheNocturnus]

The Geth aren't real? Thanks man, I was having nightmares about their imminent invasion. That still doesn't change the fact that EA pussed out and listened to all of those complaining families. Ok since those were not good enough analogies how about these: Calling Nazis "Brainwashed Symbol Wearing Guys" or Japanese Kamikazis "Gravity Repelling Bomb Soldiers" or Random N4G Member "I have to point out copyright laws and reality to some guy being a smart ass, guy"

[LightofDarkness]

Both of those would still be called "Opposing Force," technically. It is an umbrella pseudonym that can be applied to the entire enemy nomenclature that exists in games.

They may also use New World Order/NWO, Combine, Government, Black Ops etc. Honestly I don't care all too much either way, let the babies have their bottle. This doesn't change the game in any great way, if YOU still know what it is you're fighting as and who you're fighting against, does it really matter? You still know it's meant to be the Taliban, in the SP it's still the Taliban. All it means is that a very vocal minority will STFU and stop clouding the airwaves with their nonsense for a while, enjoying a small half-victory, while more people will be "allowed" to enjoy the game. In a few years this kind of idiocy towards gaming will cease as the older, less informed generation slowly die out.

[TheNocturnus]

You could not speak truer words my friend. I totally agree that when "our" generation gets to be the ones sitting in rocking chairs watching C-Span and yelling at kids to get off our lawn the world will be a more tolerant place to live. Not 10-15 years ago tattoos were still seen as degrading and unsightly, now 60 year old women are getting tramp stamps!

[Simco876]

I had a 15% chance of buying this game as it was, now its 0% chance.

I understand families of fallen soldiers and all that, but its just a game my god.

[Fuggum]

For shame, EA. For shame.

[Saleem101]

Freedom of speech means jack!!! It won't belong before videogames get banned... Oh yea Blackops killing koreans and you get kill fedal castro in game...

[AssassinHD]

I would pay $1 for a downloadable pack that would change the name back. Screw the whiners. I am so sick of people who get offended over things that really don't matter. People need to grow some thicker skin.

[mrcash]

why not just give players the option to play as the taliban,or different terrorists that would keep everybody happy.

[chilled2m]

I don't necessarily agree with EA's decision to do this, but I do understand. For all of those that claim that EA "wimped out" due to the Taliban renaming while Japanese, Korean and Nazi soldiers are called by name; think about it this way. We are no longer in a war with any of these countries, while we are actively fighting in Afghanistan right now. The wounds are still fresh (literally and figuratively)
It's entirely possible that families of those who were lost in Afghanistan feel as though this is too soon. And I'd have to agree

[Pika-pie]

Finally someone is actually mature and educated enough to give a decent response to this story.

EA have not been muzzeled into doing anything by the government/censorship parties.. What they are doing is out of respect.

Children crying and moaning on this site about creative work being ruined by over PC and loss of freedom of speech are missing the point entirely.

[MrChow666]

lol just change the name and everything is fine haha what a joke

[maxcer]

yea its fucked up how our culture is so sensitive about a term that describes a group of people yet the guns, explosives and wartime mindset never get a second look. this also seems like a US only complaint, you never see complaints about american soldiers portrayal in these games.

[S_C]

what is the point in changing the name we all know when we play this that the characters are supposed to be the taliban, either remove them from the game or just keep it the way it was made to be, but people that are now sayign that they wont buy this game because of this is also very lame, its only a name change.

[-Gespenst-]

They could have alluded to them being taliban or something by using some other, similar iraqi word. I mean I don't think they're pussies, it's just that they've been repressed and censored quite ruthlessly by conservatives. They didn't really have a choice.

[Liquid_Ocelot]

F*ck the media, and the motherf*ckers claiming that they felt disrespected, that was all bullsh*t. Matter of fact, now I feel disrespected.. So yeah, what the f*ck they gon' do for me? Now I want to play on the SP as the 'insurgents', make it happen EA. Sigh :S

[knightdarkbox]

Sorry but i no will buy this game anymore..

[hoolesy]

...but then again I CAN see both sides. Yes it's a sore subject and perhaps bad timing. I guess it's the equivalent of having a "Be Hitler" board-game back in 1939. BUT THEN AGAIN, we've always had goodies and baddies for god sake and yes it's fun being the baddie. But entertainment's never been so realistic before has it! Perhaps fictional baddies leave less bad taste. As I said, I can see both sides.

[FwanK]

They just lost 60 bucks here

[retrofly]

No taliban but we are alowed to play as Nazi's who really were evil? TBO we have invaded afghanistan. The nazi's invaded other countries and sloughtered millions of civilians!

[MsmackyM]

I considered buying this game after I checked out the "open" beta; to see what fixes they implemented. I just have a very hard time supporting people with no spine. How can you tell the soldier story and leave out his nemesis? So in effect EA just appeased everyone who was never going to buy the game, and if you gave them a controller, could'nt do no more than spun around in random circles.

[maxcer]

hmmm... i have always wondered why movies are not scrutinized to the same degree games are. maybe it has to do with the fact that the older generation still associates video games with children.

EDIT: lol @ the people that are not planning to get the game now because of this. thats the same kind of narrow-minded view that starts these types of problems in the first place

[Garnett]

The Taliban were probably never playable, EA just looking for some media spotlight.

Anyways Medal of Duty: Bad Company 2 will be unplayable online for the first week or two due to "Server overload", then they will recycle maps from the campaign and multiplayer and call them "new".

EA sucks, DICE sucks, both are pussies just like Konami.

[iammason]

Stupid CNN.
Stupid Moms.
Stupid Government.

EA should've just went ahead with it. I am really disappointed.

Some may be happy, but seriously - no one has played the fucking game yet. It might not have even been as bad as people were making it out to be.

[Saleem101]

Call of duty blackops you get kill fedal castro in cuba mission...

[SSKILLZ]

Did EA forget who the customer was, I don't think the family of the soldiers that where KIA. Are going to be lined up on midnight openig to get there copy....right? Pure bs.

[chasegarcia]

:-( sks

[Apollyn]

This seriously FUCKS ME OFF

[FwanK]

What about the No Russian MW2 Mission?

[MGRogue2017]

Oh well.. They are still Taliban.. They just don't carry that name though.. It's "opposing force" :D

[badkolo]

and there begins the decline of gaming. what a shame.

i can see it now, instead of guns with bullets ,games will have to use nerf foam type bullets so it doesnt replicate actual killing.

[Edman888]

I'm not gonna say much because it's all already been said, I'll just register my disgust at this move.

[kagon01]

"USA! USA! USA!"

Eh...?

[DannyDammit]

I've lost respect for the creators... I'm not gonna buy it now.

[dkgshiz]

Just because they changed the name? Was that the main reason you were going to buy it in the first place?

[TANUKI]

Wow.... seriously? Come on EA Games...! :/

[dkgshiz]

They just changed the name to opposing force. Nothing to cry about people.

[omi25p]

if that women the went on the news and moaned had spent this much time and effort trying to get better equipment and weapons for her son in the first place we would no longer be in afganistan and she wouldnt need to bloody moan.

[tdogg06051991]

Now I am banning buyin of Medal of Honor, dead space, need for speed, mass effect 2. Your not getting any of my money.

[Beahmscream]

Are you kidding me? That makes EA look weak.

[Psychotica]

PC mod to rename them back to Taliban? Don't know if possible or not but would be cool...

[ATi_Elite]

OH any and everything is possible with the PC modding community.

If you can think it, they can do it.

[Anti-Fanboyer]

Dirka dirka!! Would have been more amusing.

[ATi_Elite]

As someone who has served 4 years in the US military.

I didn't risk my Life for censorship. I did it to protect the US Constitution, FREEDOM of Speech, and creativity for all whether I agreed with the material or not.

So for EA to buckle under "Crap Pressure" is sickening to me.

So I guess it's OK for Americans to be in a video game Killing everybody in the world but to play as an enemy killing Americans is wrong?

It's just a video game. A video game that because of EA's weakness, a VIDEO GAME I WON'T BE BUYING.

I'll buy Call Of Duty Black OPs instead because they didn't buckle under pressure from the "Airport Scene".

[jjank11]

This is stupid. Since the gaming industry and this game is not exclusive to the USA then they should remove all mention of USA troops, since they have also produced atrocities against other militaries and innocent civilians.

I'm getting sick of this absurd double standard.

[Holeran]

Has EA heard from the Taliban spokesperson yet? I'm sure they are pretty pissed that they aren't in the game anymore.

[Telloth]

I have no grudge against EA for doing this to be honest. They kind of had to with all the people whining about it. For me it's as simple as: if you don't like the Taliban being in the game, then don't buy it. Most people that were complaining never intended to buy the game in the first place, so it's really stupid that EA have had to do this.

[-IronMan-]

Cancels Preorder. Gonna spread the word around to other friends to cancel it.

"You support this game. You support censorship. Simple as that."

[ATi_Elite]

As someone who has served 4 years in the US military.

I didn't risk my Life for censorship. I did it to protect the US Constitution, FREEDOM of Speech, and creativity for all whether I agreed with the material or not.

So for EA to buckle under "Crap Pressure" is sickening to me.

So I guess it's OK for Americans to be in a video game Killing everybody in the world but to play as an enemy killing Americans is wrong?

It's just a video game. A video game that because of EA's weakness, a VIDEO GAME I WON'T BE BUYING.

I'll buy Call Of Duty Black OPs instead because they didn't buckle under pressure from the "Airport Scene".

EA = No Balls

[shysun]

Thx for you're service and I agree with you 110%!

[OdinX]

Thank you for your service... ^^

[PhantomT1412]

Those who made the airport scene and those who are making Black Ops aren't the same people (Infinity Ward and Treyarch respectively).

[RowSand]

i used to be terrorist in socom 2

[ATi_Elite]

You evil Non American, Darn Communist! I mean Darn Terrorist! You Should be deported! No wait you should be water boarded first, then sent to Guantanamo Bay Prison with out a trial for ten years then water boarded some more then deported.

OH wait my bad it's just a VIDEO GAME.

[shysun]

Sooooooo......ummmmm I guess there wont be any movies about the Taliban either right?!Nope!Grow a pair EA!

[OdinX]

This is ridiculous; that a single word being revised makes everything better?! For the families that lost soldiers over the war, my condolences, but if the game is offensive don't buy it or support it, but don't make it worse for the gamers that DO want an immersive environment and realistic events. I can't help but be disappointed in EA AND the MoH team; to have a buckled under this ridicule just made this game a RENT for me. :P

[SeraphimBlade]

On the one hand it was just a name, on the other hand, it was just a name. I really doubt MoH was going to offer a lot of serious commentary on the war or something, and if I do end up playing it then I don't mind fighting the Nabilat.

[xTalibanana]

So you're not buying the game anymore because you don't get to play as the taliban. The people who like to stone women to death in their spare time. Or cut off peoples heads who won't convert to Islam.

You wouldn't happen to live in a cave in Afghanistan and be called Mohammad would you ?. I can't see why any sane person would be upset that they cut out these sub human filth from their game.

Get over it.

[TheObserver]

What the F*ck is this sh%t? I am not buying MoH for sure. Will send them a letter and telling them to keep bending over while sucking d!cks too and see if their sales increase.

Nothing makes me RAAAGGEEE more than seeing Freedom gets compromised.

[TruthbeTold]

in America. This is ridiculous. I wonder if Activision is behind this somehow. XD

[chasegarcia]

I cannot put it in a sentence how much this pisses me off.

[xVeZx]

fukking losers

[ironwolf777]

I think they did the right thing. We're still at war.

[writersblock]

And so are the taliban

[Lazy_Gamer]

I've lost all interest I had for this game. Seriously, some people would complain about anything. Where are your guts EA?

[PS360PCROCKS]

So since EA wants to respect families who feel hurt by this so they're pussies? You should all be ashamed of yourselves. This isn't about YOU it's about those people who feel hurt. EA did a great gesture here to respect them and their wishes. It's a NAME CHANGE for god's sake...oh no poor gamer, you get to play as them but they're not called Taliban, oh boo hoo poor you. This is a minimal change and you should accept it as it is. I applaud EA for this, it shows great compassion.

oh and did anyone even read the story? This changes absolutely nothing in the game outside of a name. You won't play it now because it's not called the Taliban? Why is that such a fetish for all of you?

[maniacmayhem]

The terrorists won!

[jhani]

as a muslim i will find it disgraceful to my person to even touch this game now. What a shame! EA did bound to pressure from people who themselves are war criminals. And to these families of these fallen soldiers, even though i feel sorry for them, have they ever considered that these soldiers were in Afghanistan to fight war and KILL people? Damn i mean the families and the relatives are crying as if they were there to train afghans to cook cookies! They probably killed women and children for gods sake! Jesus!

[writersblock]

The game just lost my support. Whats the REAL reason they caved? They were forced to, because anything not depicting the taliban as complete evil is against the US and UK goverments war agenda. They cant sustain an invasion without support, so games not supporting hate either need to be censored or banned

Fuck the NWO and these hypocritical bureaucrats

[hoops]

Oh well....its not like we did not see this coming....

[Thoreau]

enemies, when in fact if a war was waged on their home land. they suffer the thousands of deaths of civilians daily. peoples minds our locked in the matrix.

[Snack_Raccoon]

There goes freedom of speech. Terrorists win.

Additional: As some one already noted, all that has changed is the name, they are still the Taliban, still the same models, no gameplay has changed, they just aren't actually referred to the Taliban in the multiplayer to keep gold star "moms" happy.

(it's spelt mum)

[xtremeimport]

bOOOO
so close to release too. its fine to play as the Japanese or Germans or Russians...but not these guys, just because the war..err excuse me "conflict" is still going on. ITS ALWAYS GOING TO BE GOING ON UNTIL THE USA HAS COMPLETE CONTROL OF THEIR OIL!.

prepares for fire.

[ATi_Elite]

So EA withdrew the name Taliban not to offend the families of solders fighting the current war.

But every other game released is war related with Americans killing Koreans, Germans, Russians, mutants, aliens, Combine, Covenant, and Helghast. I wonder what they think about this.

Do you know how many Helicopters that have crashed and killed American solders but every game has American solders in helicopters. they should ban those too.

maybe they should ban guns in video games and give the solders paint guns or Laser Tag.

War as a whole means someone is gonna get killed so maybe they should ban war in video games.

Hi I'm from PETA and I'm offended by birds being shot in all FPS games so that should be banned as well.

Are those tanks in video games fuel efficient? If not then ban them.

Those needle looking Health Packs offend me as they suggest Steroid use so ban them.

As a Tree Hugger I get offended by seeing red oil barrels exploding in every game and dangering the environment so ban them.

The deforestation in Civilization V and other RTS games is offensive so ban it.

Why are terrorist always portrayed by Arabs? Tim McVeigh, The Unibomber, DC Sniper were not Arab.

I wonder how the Iraqi's and Afghans feel about several video games being made glorifying the U.S. invasion of their countries.

It's just a game, chill out.

EA=No balls

[Koromaro]

Don't forget

Zombies have right too

[playnation]

what a bunch of idiots the families and friends of fallen soldiers!
seriously this is A GAME for gods sake, this is not real life, they need to see a mental doctor seriously!! thanks !!

[ForROME]

Good, we are always serving the interest of others to show compasion and open mindedness, of it was a mosk being destroyed in a game, and muslims came out and protested, we would bend, we can do it for our own as well for a change

[Mista T]

yeh, let the people with a pea for a brain have what they want. society is going backwards, insane people have more say in things like this. its a shame

[Paradise Lost]

People in the States disgust me so much. (not all)

O MAH GaWD OBAMA HAS DUH MUSLIM BLOOD DEEERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

[Paralex]

They're still the Taliban whether they're named OpFor or not. Silly DICE, tricks are for kids. If they really want to appeal to the American culture, they should have renamed them to the Sand N*ggers. Stupid hypocritical American attitude.

[Koromaro]

Nazi to WW2 Baddies
Aliens to outside space baddies

I swear it All "opposing forces" should just be name "Not American" With all this Censorship

[Paralex]

Well said my homie.

[SpinalRemains138]

Yeah because if EA renames the enemy characters then the real Taliban never existed in real life I guess.

Heaven forbid the world deals with its issues head on. Instead we run and hide from real world issues as if they don't exist. What's the fucking problem? The Taliban is a real threat and there is no danger in presenting that threat into a game.

[romancer]

well, maybe the whole game should be renamed: Muddle of Dishonor

With so many AAA games being released in the coming months, it sometimes comes down to relatively small factors when it comes to deciding what to buy.

In this case, I will be buying Black Ops, Fable III and Fallout New Vegas -- in the hope that they are not self-censored or compromised through cowardice. I prefer games that press more buttons than just on my controller. That's why I am loyal to Rockstar and not loyal to EA.

[ExposingLames]

as long as you still kill them im ok with it.....they should also have a copy of their quran "holy book" in their pocket also.....you know, the one that says "kill all infidels" infidel = anyone who is not a muslim

[CobraKai]

@ ICE PICK
As long as there are still "killable" Taliban in the game, I'm fine.

*Stupid Taliban making ALL muslims look bad.*

[mjmj]

oh yeaa !
what about their families !!!
the reason i would buy this game for is gone

[PhantomT1412]

Sorry, someone can bring me glasses? I don't see the difference...

[Mattey]

pussies

[blakstarz]

People are too sensitive, its a damn game for crying out loud!

[Paradise Lost]

It's only the US&A that seem to cause all these problems for no reason.

[PhantomT1412]

No, there were also British, Canadian and Dannish politics whining about it.

[skip2mylou]

FAIL HARD EA freaking pansy ass parents who are hurt by this crap are retarded why aint they protesting against real things instead of a game

[Lets-Game]

you guys are funny, americans are all brainwashed sheep and had no freedom like ever, bunch of obedient slaves if you ask me. richest country in the world by far but their people live like 3rd world country, thats called skills, those guys above.. gotta give it to them. enslaved under the illusion of "freedom" "democracy" so damn hilarious. forced to eat shit and work like slaves yet you dont even have simple things like health insurance.. wow.. not saying here in europe is much different but at least the guys above here care a tiny bit how their people are doing.

[jurahsik]

EA = pussies

[coojo]

another EA Fail whats new Activision 4 life

[R_aVe_N]

Lol not matter what they do somebody is going do b!tch. One one side you have the people saying get rid of them and on the other side you got people saying keep it as it is. EA for the sake of money of course decided to change it. After all that is what they make games for.

[bigtrucknd]

This country is so full of sensitive bitches. Im so sick of people censoring what other people enjoy. If you dont like it with taliban than dont play it pretty simple. Dont offend anyone Words hurt!!!

[Congentleman]

Moron. They 'earned the right to be heard'? They didn't do anything! They were just close to a person that actually earned it! And those people that earned it are fine with it! And stupid people without interest in games are the only opposers, keeping the Taliban wouldn't matter! Getting that retarded mother and others like her to be happy won't affect sales at all!

[SuperbVillain]

wow,really EA? fucking lame.

[Treyb3yond]

Nazis are still in games!

Or....are we scared to "offend" Islam?

pfffft joke.

[brettski]

Alot of you idiots know that there are REAL people dying because of the Taliban. They want you dead... Wow. Please don't vote, you'll ruin this country with the brainwashing you've received.

I wasn't planning on buying the game, but now I might

[turgore]

they just change the name ....thats it but americans are so damn sensitive.

[Jihaad_cpt]

need some real taliban to do some real killing now to make up for this

[megazeroxuxm]

Lets call them, "Charley's band" Today we will be fighting the Charley's Band members. Eagle 1, hit the guy holding the bass, Ground force 2, attack the singer's girlfriend, she's bitching too much! Attack shitty guitar player! insert Slash as puppet government. If you get this joke agree... if not.... agree anyways... but then.... i'm prochoice.... so.... you can disagree also....

[gamerdude132]

Let me explain the answers to some of the question people who are defending EA's move are asking.

Q: "Why does it matter if it is a random person or the Taliban?"
A: The main selling point for most people was to play the game and kill TALIBAN, not some OpForces.

Q: "Why are you guys so insensitive to families who have lost a loved one to these douches?"
A: We're not! We WANT TO KILL the Taliban, not play as them. Seriously, I want to know how many people wanted to buy this game to play as the Taliban.

Here's my questions. You defenders answer.

Q: What makes winning a battle as the Taliban any different that winning a battle as the Nazis? As far as I know, there isn't a difference. If you guys have no problem playing as people are mass-murdering Jew haters, then why do you have a problem with playing as the Taliban? Same people, different clothing. Give the Taliban some time. They'll be the new Nazis.

Q: What makes this NOT appeal to you guys as something that breaks the "freedom of speech" thing in the US Constitution? I really wanna know.

[horndog]

they are a bunch of f*cking low lives hypocrites prentending to be the good samaritans of the world.

It's acceptable for the american army/forces to take taliban lives but it aint o.k for the others guys to do the same. Its a F*CKING WAR sh*t heads. Why is it o.k to play as an American soldier blowing some Tali's head off but not the other way around?? You don't think that the fallen guys on the other side have families that are suffering just as much?? You would think that the US ARMY of all people would understand that. And f*ck EA for being a bunch of pussies. They really got the Majors balls slapping them on the chin.

Good point on top. Why is it any different than playing as Nazis?? hypocrites.

[Organization XII]

I agree man, F*ck that whiny ass US army, they've built upon ignorance...
Go Taliban Destroy the yanks

[horndog]

"Alot of you idiots know that there are REAL people dying because of the Taliban. They want you dead... Wow. Please don't vote, you'll ruin this country with the brainwashing you've received."

Well than the US shouldn't stick their f*cking noses where it don't belong. Weren't they the ones responsilbe for supplying the Talibans with weapons in the first place?? Back in the 80's when the Taliban were getting smoked by the Russians?? Maybe they should have let them Russians finish them off.

If anyone is "brainwashed" than it's probably you stupid americans that think your sh*t don't stink.

[Organization XII]

Fallen soldiers?? what a lame ass fucked up excuse for a reason to remove the taliban name from the game, a bunch of wussies..

[GoldPS3]

I think it was the right thing to do. I'm not getting the game anyway so I really don't care.

[Are_The_MaDNess]

damn, Americans are so damn sensitive since 9/11
I mean come on, its a damn game, a GAME!!!

[Soldierone]

Wow when people want to screw things up just because they are babies about it, they really dont let down at all. Next stop, "We dont appreciate the fact people can be street racers in need for speed, so we want EA to make it Cops only" idiots.

[Viper7]

Opposing force campaign, if the American soldiers label is too much lets just call them "the invading force".

[N2NOther]

"You say this changes nothing? I think this changes everything. Having Taliban is whan seperated MOH from all other FPS games. Calling them OpFor is totally different, any enemy force is OpFor, Taliban was a specific faction. Now its basically a COD clone, with nothing to distinguish it from other COD or BFBC games. I expect a lot of sales to be lost as I'm sure the word will spread quickly. "

So because they changed the name of the "bad guys" in multiplayer that makes it nothing but a COD clone? Forget the graphics, controls and game play...Yep it's all about the name of the team that goes against the US Military in the game.

Wow.

[SephireX]

This is disgraceful. I thought America was about liberty but yet its too controlled. As such, I refuse to buy this game now. Fck people who didn't want the Taliban in this game! They'll want death completely removed from video games soon. Some people are so dumb. If they don't want to play as the Taliban, doesn't mean other people don't. Selfish bastards should be hung for denying game developers freedom.