Hong Kong police have accused a mobile game app of promoting armed revolution and advocating secessionist movements, warning that anyone who publishes or shares the app online could be violating national security laws. This marks the first public condemnation of a gaming app amid a broader crackdown following the 2019 anti-government protests.
Authorities cautioned residents against downloading “Reversed Front: Bonfire,” stating that possessing the app may be considered holding seditious material. They also warned against financially supporting the app’s developer through purchases within the game.
Police claim the game, developed by ESC Taiwan, disguises itself as entertainment while pushing agendas like “Taiwan independence” and “Hong Kong independence,” and calls for overthrowing China’s fundamental system. The developer has not responded to requests for comment. On its Facebook page, ESC Taiwan acknowledged increased interest in the game following a Hong Kong news report.
In the game, players can take on roles such as Hong Kong, Tibet, Uyghur, Taiwan, or Cathaysian Rebel factions to challenge the communist regime or alternatively choose to lead communist forces. The game’s website notes it is a work of nonfiction and intentionally reflects real Chinese agencies, policies, or ethnic groups.
Although the app was still available on Apple’s App Store on Tuesday night, it was removed by Wednesday morning. Google Play had already taken down the game last month due to the app’s failure to restrict hateful language in user-generated names. Neither Apple, Google, nor Meta have issued official statements on the matter.
Kuo Hao Fu, a player from Taiwan, shared that after playing for three months, he saw the game as a humorous way to address serious political topics. He disagreed with the police’s accusations, noting that players can also side with China in the game. Fu said the police’s response shows how Beijing’s control has limited Hong Kong’s democratic freedoms and stifled creative expression in gaming.
China regards Taiwan as its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary, which raises concerns among many Taiwanese about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong under Beijing’s rule.
Beijing and Hong Kong authorities maintain that national security laws are crucial for restoring stability to the city after years of protests.
