Valve removes controversial shooter game from UK Steam store after counter-terrorism unit request

Valve has pulled the game Fursan al-Aqsa: The Knights of the Al-Aqsa Mosque from Steam in the UK following a request from the UK Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU). The removal comes in response to concerns that the game features content deemed extremist, specifically referencing Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Despite this, the game remains available in other regions, including the United States.

The game, originally launched in 2022, recently gained attention after its developer, Nidal Nijm, added the “Operation al-Aqsa Flood Update”. The new update brings missions inspired by the October 7 events. Although Nijm claims the game penalizes players for targeting unarmed individuals, its depictions have drawn criticism for promoting violence against Israeli forces.

Valve confirmed the game’s UK restriction via an email to Nijm, citing the CTIRU’s directive. The CTIRU, which has worked since 2010 to remove online extremist material, operates under the UK’s Metropolitan Police. While the CTIRU did not comment on specific content, its mandate includes addressing material reported by the public and collaborating with online platforms.

This is not the first time Fursan al-Aqsa has faced bans; Germany and Australia have blocked the game earlier due to the developer’s inability to secure region-specific age ratings. Nijm has criticized the UK ban as politically motivated, drawing comparisons to mainstream shooter games like Call of Duty, which he argues portray similar themes with different contexts.

Valve has yet to comment further on the matter.