**Hong Kong’s Police Target Video Game for Promoting Insurgency Against China**

Hong Kong's national security police have effectively prohibited the game “Reversed Front: Bonfire,” citing it as a catalyst for armed revolution against the Chinese government.

Hong Kong police have taken a strong stance against the video game “Reversed Front: Bonfire,” effectively outlawing it for promoting themes of armed insurrection amidst ongoing tightening of online content regulations. On Tuesday, they issued a stern warning, advising citizens against downloading or endorsing the game under the threat of severe legal repercussions.

This Taiwanese war strategy game, developed by a collective known as ESC Taiwan, allows players to embody characters from marginalized regions, including Taiwan and Tibet, engaging in simulation battles against China's Communist Party. Players can choose to represent not only revolutionaries but also government defenders in its colorful manga-style depiction of the conflict.

Following the game's controversial launch, it was quickly removed from Apple’s app store within Hong Kong, although it continues to exist on platforms outside the city. Prior to this action, the game was already unavailable in mainland China, with Google withdrawing it earlier this month due to purported "hateful language," a claim the developers contest.

ESC Taiwan, made up of anonymous individuals ardently critical of the Chinese government, had previously crowdfunded game-related projects. They responded to the game’s ban by highlighting how warnings similar to those imposed on them are typically seen in areas under direct Chinese governance. Their communication reinforced that their game's purpose was to expose the very censorship they contend against.