Mortal Kombat 1 Faces Backlash Over Limited Accessibility in Russia and Belarus

Mortal Kombat 1 Faces Backlash Over Limited Accessibility in Russia and Belarus

Rating Drop Stemming from User Dissatisfaction

The popular video game Mortal Kombat 1 has seen a substantial decrease in its rating following a surge of negative reviews. These reviews have primarily been posted by Russian and Belarusian users, who have expressed their discontent over restricted access to the game in their respective countries. The inability to engage in online gameplay and to access the “Invasion” mode has led to approximately half of the game’s content being blocked in these regions.

(Read Also: Erdogan says he trusts Russia as much as West amid Ukraine crisis)

Currently, the game’s score on Metacritic (PS5 version) stands at a low 4.5 out of 10, based on 563 reviews. Similar trends can be observed on other platforms as well, although with fewer reviews. A large portion of these negative reviews have been posted by disgruntled players from Russia and Belarus.

Players’ Outrage Fueled by Political Tensions

Many of these users have expressed their belief that “games are beyond politics” while condemning what they perceive as “racial discrimination”. Various comments have been posted in support of the game developers, attempting to counteract the impact of the negative rating campaign. However, it is worth noting that Mortal Kombat 1 is not officially sold in Russia.

Warner Bros. Games, the publisher of the game, ceased operations in the country following the large-scale invasion in Ukraine. This decision resulted in the blocking of access to the publisher’s servers, leading to the partial content blockage experienced by Russian users. Despite this, many Russian players continue to purchase and play the game through alternative means, insisting on its proper functioning.

(Read Also: Switzerland: A Hotbed for Russian Espionage?)

Game’s Release Amid Controversy

Mortal Kombat 1 was set to release on September 19 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Series S, and Nintendo Switch. Premium edition owners already had access to the game. The game includes several modes, including a cinematic story campaign that rewrites the history of the entire universe.

However, the game’s release has been marred by the controversy surrounding its limited accessibility in Russia and Belarus. The inability of players in these regions to fully enjoy the game has led to a flood of negative reviews, significantly impacting the game’s rating.

Impact of Political Conflict on Gaming Industry

This case highlights the impact that political conflicts can have on the gaming industry. While game developers and publishers may aim for their products to transcend political boundaries, the reality of geopolitical tensions can often interfere with these intentions. As seen in the case of Mortal Kombat 1, the fallout from such conflicts can severely impact a game’s reception and overall success.

(Also Read: The Detailed Examination of RBC-Ukraine Information Portal and the Ukraine-Russia Conflict)

Furthermore, this situation raises questions about the responsibility of game developers and publishers in navigating these complex issues. Should they strive to maintain accessibility for all players, regardless of their location and the political issues affecting their countries? Or should they adhere to the decisions made by their respective governments, even if it means limiting accessibility for certain player groups?

These are complex questions with no easy answers. However, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, they are questions that the gaming industry will need to confront head-on. The controversy surrounding Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.