EA has decided to drop the Taliban name from Medal of Honor in the face of political pressure and requests from the friends and families of fallen soldiers.

The in-game enemy previously known as Taliban will now be called the Opposing Force.

Executive producer Greg Goodrich didn't mention political pressure in his official explanation, instead suggesting it was done solely out of respect for the relatives of soldiers killed in action.

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

"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."

Goodrich recently told us that the backlash over the inclusion of the Taliban has had a negative effect on the Medal of Honor team.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/ar ... ?id=267719

Pity, and it strikes me as something that'll seem petty and commonplace soon enough...

What nonsense. Much ado about nothing springs to mind.

Yes but it is a bit insensitive when they are still fighting out there.

But it's not real. Curiously I don't recall the US armed forces kicking up a fuss over games that involve the USAF shooting down enemy planes/bombing villages, or the Battlefield games, or the COD games, or America's Army?

One has to question why? Is it because you get to play the "good guys" and shoot people of middle-eastern origin instead? Hell, they don't even object to games where you can play the Germans and shoot allied soldiers; you can even shoot US soldiers in the Battlefield games. It's OK though, it's not like they're real. Get a grip.

I accept that it is a game. Maybe they should have checked beforehand to see if it was a good idea. Though considering the publicity they might not mind.

Or people could exercise their right not to buy it and leave those who do alone.

Yes that is also a good compromise. I will not be buying the game but not because of this issue.