Medal of Honor devs rename 'Taliban' to 'Opposing Force' in multiplayer mode

by Ben Gilbert on Oct 1st 2010 10:00AM

In a reaction to outcry from friends and families of fallen soldiers, Medal of Honor developer Danger Close and publisher EA have decided to rename the multiplayer faction in their game from "Taliban" to "Opposing Force." Executive producer Greg Goodrich announced as much on the MOH blog this morning, explaining the alteration by saying, "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."

This isn't the first such predicament Medal of Honor has faced in its development -- early last month it was revealed that GameStop stores within Army and Air Force bases wouldn't carry the game, with GameStop's internal memo naming the playable Taliban as its reasoning.

Unfortunately, we're not sure we see a solution here -- considering combatant casualties in any war are "opposing forces," won't considerably more people be offended this way?

Source: Medal of Honor blog

Tags: danger-close, danger-close-games, ea, electronic-arts, greg-goodrich, Medal-of-Honor, Medal-of-Honor-2010, microsoft, multiplayer, opposing-forces, pc, playstation, ps3, taliban, xbox

Reader Comments (150)

"Unfortunately, we're not sure we see a solution here -- considering combatant casualties in any war are "opposing forces," won't considerably more people be offended this way? "

Haha, clever.

@sonicspike41

OpFor is the name the military uses when they pretend to be the enemy in training. I'm sure most folks already know this, but the implication is that both sides are good guys, and one side is testing the other's combat skills, rather than actually trying to kill American forces.

That's what OpFor means, and no, it's not offensive.

@Dustin F

I was actually quoting the article.

First it was tacked onto the last paragraph about Gamestop, then it was suddenly gone, then the replies to my comment (that said "oh nevermind, they removed it from the article") suddenly vanished, I got upvoted and finally I'm guessing someone at Joystiq realized the readers liked the line and put it back in.

@sonicspike41

LOL, sorry, didn't get it.

"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."

Until a few decades have past then its all fair game. Zombie Taliban anyone?

I wasn't aware the force our troops are fighting is some sort of army of Voldemorts. Being able to recognize the threat seems like a pretty significant thing.

It seems like you give them too much credit when you're too afraid to ever utter their name, and I'm sure they're saying ours all the dang time.

@wcarnation

We used to insult the people we were fighting ("rap the Jap", etc.).

I bet there would be no problem if they said "we're gonna tear Osama and his Taliban queers a new one".

@wcarnation

HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED!!!

@wcarnation
I can see both sides of this somewhat trite controversy. So I don't really feel strongly either way. But I wonder if their (EA and Gamestop) reasoning is as you say: To name a thing gives it life and power. But are we to just ignore the Taliban, change the channel, and continue buying our consumer goods?
This whole name-or-no-name malarchy kind of reminds me of the fervor from Muslims when a cartoonist draws a picture of a bearded man in a turban, and then (gasp!) has the indecency to print the name "Mohammed" next to it. You can get killed for putting the two together. If the name is seperate from the picture (or in this case, a computer model) then everything seems to be okay. ?

Well I'll be damned. I'm actually kinda proud of EA, listening to the wishes of those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members of the fallen.

Good on you, EA.

@RanHakubi
I'd call this an assault on free speech. Isn't that what these folks were fighting for? Oh sorry no they were fighting for PR which is way more important.

"Look how we fight for your freedom overseas but take it away in your home"

@RanHakubi

Really? I know a few people in the military that just simply pre-ordered MOH at a near by Gamestop. I think our women and men in uniform have other things to worry about.

@RanHakubi

Considering the Nazis killed MILLIONS more than Taliban ever will, why are WWII games not getting this type of treatment? And don't give me that "recent war" bullshit argument. War is fcking war.

@Captain Planet Planeteer Power - Well recent war might not be a logical arguement but that's the reason like it or not.

@RanHakubi

Go sign up for the Army, now. I don't want to see you here.

@RanHakubi
War never changes

@Captain Planet Planeteer Power

How could you argue the recency of the war is not relevant?

The Taliban are currently killing American troops.

Nazis haven't done any killing in decades.

Recreating the Taliban in a game is therefore more of a sensitive issue than recreating Nazis.

@adrunkamputee

Hasn't MGS4 taught you anything?

"War.... has changed" [in Old Snake voice]

It's considered distasteful on a wide spectrum. Freedom of Speech has nothing to do with this, they're certainly free to call it the "Taliban" but there is simply no benefit to doing that in any way comparable to the grief the war has caused on tax payers and the family of people in service on a daily basis.

If it truly doesn't matter to *you* "because it's just a video game" then you should have some respect for those who do believe it to matter. Most of you are truly insensitive and self-centered and need to get off the internet and go get a dose of real life.

@xreadmore

1. This is in no way an attack on free speech, the government is not banning the sale of the game. GameStop (a private company), and citizens are the ones that are offended, which has nothing to do with free speech. So, the first amendment is not under attack.

2. As a member of the US Military, I was in no way offended by the use of "Taliban", hell I pre-ordered the game.

3. I think the outcry of censorship and oppression are overstated, there was no requirement to remove the name "taliban" they chose to do so because of a decision to not offend some.

4. To all, those that are offended are no different than those that cry censorship/free speech. You are offended that someone else was offended by material, than a company respected the desire of their customers and did the thing that (they think) would make there a product a success.

@JasonA

So let me get this straight...because the Taliban have killed roughly 1500 American troops from 2003-2010 in Afghanistan and the Nazi's killed well over 400,000 American troops alone from 1939-1945, it's more sensitive?

I fail to see how using the Taliban in a game is not okay but we can have shit tons of WW2 games featuring Nazis vs. Allies.

@ChaoticOrder
I'm rolling my eyes at you. If offended, please contact your local GameStop.

@Captain Planet Planeteer Power

With all due respect, the difference is obvious whether you can see it or not.

In a manner of speaking, the "wound" is fresh, and still very much open. Video gaming is still "gaming," regardless of whether in-game presentation is dramatic. It's perfectly logical to assume that the inclusion of an enemy thats *currently* a threat might in a "game" might offend many people.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with this decision, but comparing it to Nazis in video games is not completely fair.

@Captain Planet Planeteer Power

So you're saying that war, war never changes?

@Brian Griffin

I am sorry, but people need to realise, yes this war is happening. The Taliban will exist whether we have the name in a game or not. Sure, they are killing people now, but what difference does time make? Why is it acceptable now to have nazis in games? Simply because that was a long time ago and we don't have to worry about it anymore. It doesn't matter that the Taliban are in a game, it isn't glorifying them, or their beliefs and methods It is simply accepting that it is happening. I think a game developer would gain a lot of respect for manning up and being honest about it. Yes there would be controversy, but controversy disappears, when was the last time you heard about the CoDMW2 "Terrorist" Level? Or the Resistance Fall of Man Manchester Cathedral Level?

@Captain Planet Planeteer Power

Some WW2 veterans have actually expressed disapproval of WW2 FPS games. Hard to gauge their numbers, since no opinion polling firm has done any work on this.

One of the Penny Arcade writers had a grandpa who didn't like WW2 games, and a grandpa of a Brothers in Arms game developer was the same way. If I recall correctly, both believed that WW2 should not be turned into a game. They seemed to think it was in bad taste, at the least.

Anyway, I don't think principle really has anything to do with well.. anything. Some crap just gets in the news and causes controversy, while similar crap just gets ignored.

@xreadmore Yeah...

‎"We sacrificed 4,415 of our military personnel in Iraq to save Muslims (from Saddam's tyranny) and there are thousands still there tonight to protect Muslims, but we don't want Muslims to open a combination culinary school and prayer space in Manhattan? ...Our (America's) greatest enemy: stupidity, exploited by rapacious politicians. "

Apparently this applies to games too now. But hey, if other countries citizens cry regarding their government not changing the name of a game, we can always force our beliefs of not forcing beliefs on the people.

I never new military bases had their own GameStops which is fascinating. When i picture a base, things like an old G.I. Cobra Command base that hold some action figures or a steel laden area like in a Metal gear. As you can see i have never been on an official base.

As for what they are doing with the wording, i respect and honor that, during times like these.

(edit) ...like in Metal Gear.*

@Negatron Imagine a tiny town thats significantly more categorized and organized than usual, and a lot of bald dudes walkin around.

@Negatron

Many bases have actual full-fledged grocery stores and more, all tax-free too if I remember right.

@wcarnation ahh yes that, and a from a films perspective which is chain link fences, hangars in wide open areas as Jeeps and personnel scurry about.

Ok coffee time, since my typing is way out of control smh

@Negatron oh like in HULK movie?.. the one from early 2000s that nobody liked... but me

Thats much better I know its only a game but that word brings up a lot of bad blood and painful memories for a lot of people in west. I had no problems with it but I can imagine being a member of a family who lost a loved one. Nice one danger close team

It's sad when a NAME can be taken so offensively. I just don't get it, but oh well.

I hate it when devs/publishers fold to public pressures
durka durka

hahahaha

terrorists win again?

*discuss*

@xreadmore

Apparently. Even their very name strikes fear into the hearts of the simple minded.

@Destroy All Pixels

While that "name" means nothing to you, as someone who has served and been there, It means A LOT to me and my family. While i still would have bought the game, knowing that sometimes i would be playing as the Taliban killing American troops would make me uncomfortable.

Most of you are crying because they changed a few words in a video game, while others have a legitimate reason for the change. (namely having friends and family DIE at the hands of these very same savages)

You need to get a grip on reality and realize that this decision is more important than those of you who have no ties to it in any shape or form.

Besides, "OPFOR" is a legitimate and widely used military term that is perfectly acceptable in this situation.

@xreadmore

I think political correctness has won again...

@cuda010

I am not saying you are wrong but am simply asking. You say people need to get a grip on reality, but this is a game, it isn't real... if this actually had an effect on a war I could perfectly understand and I would be with you 100%, but this has no real effect on people's lives, it isn't as though if you play as the Taliban then you are actually killing our Allies. As I said, this isn't real, so what is really the problem?

Whatever. I'm still getting it.

It coulda been called "militia" though.

i just got off the phone with one of my friends who just got back from his 3rd tour a few days ago. being a huge FPS fan in general, i asked him his thoughts on this name change....

he said:

"This is freaking ridiculous! Now it looks like we are fighting a bunch of no name ghosts. People will forget, or not even know. It's like 'hey, we'll just pretend that these guys never were real.' You can't hide the enemy."

@(Unverified) - AMEN BROTHER !!!

@(Unverified) Finally good logic

See their just trying to do their best to copy MW2. So its not enough to copy game play mechanics; they have to also copy News-Worthy antics such as this

Yup, military bases can function independently from the cities they are located in. Most bases are mini cities - milicities if you will. Anyway, yeah I love shopping on base, no tax and things are generally cheaper. I once found Warhawk w/ headset for 9.99 duty free :D

Why not just call em Al-Queda or NYC mosque construction team

@Alaskansalmon NYC Mosque Protesters would be a hilarious name, really.

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Medal of Honor (2010)

Medal of Honor devs rename 'Taliban' to 'Opposing Force' in multiplayer mode

Reader Comments (150)

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:05AM sonicspike41 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 3:20PM Dustin F said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 4:07PM sonicspike41 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 8:21PM Dustin F said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:06AM Destroy All Pixels said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:06AM wcarnation said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:10AM sonicspike41 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:44AM Captain Planet Planeteer Power said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 3:33PM JonahStein said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:07AM RanHakubi said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:16AM xreadmore said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:17AM Destroy All Pixels said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:46AM Captain Planet Planeteer Power said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:52AM DMessenger said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:52AM PlayboyX said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 12:13PM adrunkamputee said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 12:31PM JasonA said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 1:12PM golfs4panzys said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 1:52PM jsx92 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 2:58PM ChaoticOrder said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 3:36PM Captain Planet Planeteer Power said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 4:00PM xreadmore said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 4:10PM Brian Griffin said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 6:54PM Crayola Q Pants ESQ said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 9:20PM Danjcb said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 11:59PM GuardianLegend said

Posted: Oct 3rd 2010 7:19PM playcrackthesky said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:08AM Negatron said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:10AM Negatron said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:11AM wcarnation said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:12AM sonicspike41 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:18AM Negatron said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:20AM Negatron said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 2:37PM The BZA said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:09AM mikegooner said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:11AM StrikeFear13 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:11AM C1 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:13AM xreadmore said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:52AM Destroy All Pixels said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 6:53PM cuda010 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 9:25PM Danjcb said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 9:28PM Danjcb said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:16AM MLC said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:17AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:44AM shimrra74 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 4:12PM Special Agent Bob said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:17AM 216 said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:21AM Destroy All Pixels said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:24AM Alaskansalmon said

Posted: Oct 1st 2010 10:26AM wcarnation said

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