Hong Kong Police Crack Down on Taiwanese Video Game Critical of Communist Party

The Hong Kong national security police have targeted the Taiwanese video game "Reversed Front: Bonfire," describing it as "advocating armed revolution" and warning that downloading or recommending it could lead to serious legal charges. The game, developed by a Taiwanese group called ESC Taiwan, allows players to represent fighters from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other places in plots to overthrow China's Communist Party. The Hong Kong authorities' move comes as they continue to tighten control over online content deemed a threat to the Chinese city.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hong Kong national security police have effectively banned the Taiwanese video game "Reversed Front: Bonfire," which they describe as promoting "secessionist agendas" and inciting hatred of the government.
• The game, developed by ESC Taiwan, allows players to choose roles from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other places in simulated battles against China's ruling Communist Party.
• The Hong Kong authorities have issued a stern warning, stating that publishing, recommending, or downloading the game, or supporting its online campaigns, could amount to sedition and incitement to secession, punishable by jail sentences.
• This move is part of the Hong Kong authorities' ongoing efforts to limit online dissent and tighten control over online content deemed a threat to the Chinese city.
• The authorities have made widespread arrests under the national security law imposed five years ago, and have also laid new national security charges against prominent young activists, including Joshua Wong.

Statistics:

• The Hong Kong national security police have removed the game from Apple's app store in Hong Kong.
• The game was also removed from Google's app store earlier this month, citing hateful language.
• The national security law in Hong Kong has led to over 100 arrests and hundreds of charges since its imposition five years ago.
• Joshua Wong, one of Hong Kong's most prominent young activists, is serving a prison sentence of another national security charge, which will end in January 2027.
• The Hong Kong police have placed bounties on the heads of activists living overseas, including Anna Kwok, an outspoken activist living in Washington, D.C.

Sources:

• Associated Press
• Development team of "Reversed Front: Bonfire"