EA axes Taliban from Medal of Honor

EA and Danger Close Studios have axed the Taliban from controversial Afghanistan shooter Medal of Honor.

In a statement executive producer Greg Goodrich said the decision to change the name of the Taliban faction to Opposing Force was taken in response to feedback from soldiers and their families.

"In the past few months, we have received feedback from all over the world regarding the multiplayer portion of Medal of Honor," said Goodrich.

"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."

Medal of Honor has suffered criticism from some quarters for being set in Afghanistan and depicting an on-going real world conflict, and allowing gamers to play as the Taliban in the multplayer portion of the game, developed by Swedish outfit DICE.

Last week EA organised a last minute PC open beta for Medal of Honor to "clear up any misunderstanding" about the Afghanistan setting of the modern war game.

And in August Defence Secretary Liam Fox demanded shops refuse to sell the game because it allowed players to kill British troops as the Taliban.