Google has yanked a game called Bomb Gaza that simulates the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas from its Play Store after public outrage.
Google, the world leader in internet search, has yanked a game from its Play Store for simulating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Islamist group Hamas. The web giant said "Bomb Gaza" video game app for Android devices violated its app store policies; hence, they ordered its removal. Developed by PlayFTW, Bomb Gaza encourages players to drop bombs on terrorists without killing civilians.
According to app analytics firm, AppAnnie, Bomb Gaza was released on July 26. The app was downloaded more than a 1000 times and received a rating of four out of five stars. But Google was criticized for entertaining the app on the Play Store for more than a week. People took to Facebook and Twitter to express their outrage about the app that turned a conflict into a game.
I'm just disgusted at this!!! There is a "Bomb Gaza" game in the Google Play app store https://t.co/VRQ3lfyFST #SaveGaza #ShameonGoogle
— Sarah McAllister (@SarahJMcA) August 4, 2014
Inhumanity has reached a new low, there's a 'Bomb Gaza' game on the play store https://t.co/SP9atnyV8C — usayd (@usayd) August 4, 2014
Absolutely shameful. @google allows new game to be uploaded on Android called Bomb Gaza pic.twitter.com/Zenr8VttE7
— Fahad Ansari (@fahadansari) August 4, 2014
In addition to Bomb Gaza, Google also pulled down a similar game, Gaza Assault: Code Red, where gamers are allowed to control an Israeli drone equipped with powerful weapons in an attempt to secure the region, according to AppAnnie's description of the app. Oddly, the game received a rating of 4.5 stars on Play Store.
A Google spokesperson confirmed to Mashable that both apps were removed from Play Store late on Monday morning citing violation of its app store's terms and service.
"We remove apps from Google Play that violate our policies," Google rep said without specifying which policy had been violated. But Mashable pointed towards Google's Developer Program Policies that fits the call for removal.
The policies are quoted below:
"Depictions of gratuitous violence are not allowed. Apps should not contain materials that threaten, harass or bully other users."
"We don't allow content advocating against groups of people based on their race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation/gender identity."
Google has removed two games for simulating Israel and Hamas' conflicts, but other games such as Iron Dome, Defending Israel: SE and Hamas Rockets are available on Play Store. Google hasn't responded whether these games will continue to appear online or be removed following a review.
