Shrygue
April 20th, 2009, 21:59
via Computer and Video Games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213298)
The Universal Society of Hinduism has called for Sony to withdraw PS2 game, Hanuman: Boy Warrior, recently released in India.
In the game you take control of Hanuman as a powerless boy, and regain his powers as the game progresses. But Rajan Zed, president of the society, says "controlling and manipulating Lord Hanuman with a joystick/ button/keyboard/mouse was denigration", and that "reimagining Hindu scriptures and deities for commercial or other agenda" hurt its followers.
He added: "Lord Hanuman was not meant to be reduced to just a 'character' in a video game to solidify company/products base in the growing economy of India."
Zed goes on to state: "Video game makers should be more sensitive while handling faith related subjects, as these games left lasting impact on the minds of highly impressionable children, teens and other young people."
Hindus, he says, welcome the entertainment industry's embracing of the religion, but only if taken "seriously and respectfully".
Sony has refused to comment.
The Universal Society of Hinduism has called for Sony to withdraw PS2 game, Hanuman: Boy Warrior, recently released in India.
In the game you take control of Hanuman as a powerless boy, and regain his powers as the game progresses. But Rajan Zed, president of the society, says "controlling and manipulating Lord Hanuman with a joystick/ button/keyboard/mouse was denigration", and that "reimagining Hindu scriptures and deities for commercial or other agenda" hurt its followers.
He added: "Lord Hanuman was not meant to be reduced to just a 'character' in a video game to solidify company/products base in the growing economy of India."
Zed goes on to state: "Video game makers should be more sensitive while handling faith related subjects, as these games left lasting impact on the minds of highly impressionable children, teens and other young people."
Hindus, he says, welcome the entertainment industry's embracing of the religion, but only if taken "seriously and respectfully".
Sony has refused to comment.