Hong Kong authorities have officially banned the mobile game Reversed Front: Bonfire, citing national security concerns. Developed by ESC Taiwan, the game allows players to pledge allegiance to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, or Uyghurs in a fictional battle against a communist regime. The ban comes as Beijing continues to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
According to a statement from Hong Kong police, downloading or sharing the game may be considered possession of a publication with seditious intent. Authorities have also warned against providing financial support to the developers, stating that the game promotes secessionist agendas such as Taiwan independence.
Despite the ban, Reversed Front: Bonfire has gained significant attention, becoming the most searched term on Google in Hong Kong. The developers have responded to the controversy, stating that the game is a work of non-fiction, with intentional references to real-world political issues.
The game was removed from Google Play, (still on the Apple’s App Store) in Hong Kong, but remains accessible in other regions. Players can still choose to play as communists, supporting the revolution instead of opposing it, adding a layer of complexity to its narrative.
This ban is part of a broader enforcement of China’s National Security Law (NSL), which criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Since its implementation, several pro-democracy figures have been charged or jailed, including media mogul Jimmy Lai and activist Joshua Wong.
For more details, you can visit the official X/Twitter account (TW). As the situation unfolds, players and developers alike are watching closely to see how Hong Kong’s gaming landscape will be affected by increasing government restrictions. Stay tuned for further updates as ESC Taiwan responds to the global reaction.
