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Downloading specific game may constitute violation of national security laws in Hong Kong

Attempting to download a game simulating an uprising against a Chinese Communist Party stand-in may be considered a national security offense, as the game was removed following a police warning.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Attempting to download a mobile game that involves attempting to overthrow a simulated version of...
Attempting to download a mobile game that involves attempting to overthrow a simulated version of China's Communist Party may be considered a national security offense, as the game has mysteriously disappeared from various app stores, according to Hong Kong police.

Downloading specific game may constitute violation of national security laws in Hong Kong

Uncensored, Detailed Report on Controversial Mobile Game "Reversed Front: Bonfire"

Loosely veiled in the guise of a game, "Reversed Front: Bonfire," developed by the Taiwan-based company ESC Taiwan, has stirred up a hornet's nest in the political landscape. This controversial title allows players to "pledges allegiance" to various entities, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Uyghur, with the goal of overthrowing the communist regime.

While the game's setting is set in a historically different universe, the developers ingeniously claim, "This game is a work of NON-FICTION. Any similarity to actual agencies, policies or ethnic groups of the PRC (People's Republic of China) in this game is INTENTIONAL."

Following this seditious declaration, Hong Kong police announced on Tuesday that the game is "advocating armed revolution" and promoting Taiwan and Hong Kong independence "under the guise of a game." These actions could potentially lead to charges for possessing seditious material, and making in-app purchases may be viewed as providing funding to the developers "for the commission of secession or subversion." Recommending the game could constitute the offence of "incitement to secession."

The player in "Reversed Front" is encouraged to defeat the Communists, who are portrayed as "heavy-handed, reckless and inept," with widespread corruption, embezzlement, exploitation, slaughter, and defilement. Other roles correspond to flashpoint issues such as self-ruled Taiwan, Xinjiang, and the minority Muslim Uyghurs, attracting Beijing's wrath further.

After the imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong, the vibrant civil society and political opposition have faded away. OpenAI reported last week it had detected and banned a number of "likely China-origin" accounts targeting "Reversed Front" with negative comments, indicating the growing tension surrounding the game.

Interestingly, the game's developer, ESC Taiwan, has not been explicitly named as facing legal action in Hong Kong. However, the game itself has been banned, and user engagement—including downloading, sharing, and financially supporting the developers—may lead to offenses under Hong Kong's national security laws. The developer operates outside Hong Kong and has not directly commented on the ban.

On Wednesday, Apple appeared to have removed the game from the Hong Kong version of the App Store, and it was not available on Hong Kong's Google Play on Tuesday, according to local media reports. However, the game's developer stated that it has seen a surge in searches since the police announcement, jokingly attributing the boost to Hong Kong authorities.

Given the sensitive nature of the content, it is essential to approach such games with caution and be mindful of the potential legal consequences of participating in them.

[1] Hong Kong Police Warning on “Reversed Front: Bonfire”[2] National Security Department (NSD) Statement on “Reversed Front: Bonfire”[3] OpenAI article on banned accounts targeting “Reversed Front: Bonfire”[4] article on the legal status of ESC Taiwan in Hong Kong

  1. In response to the controversial mobile game "Reversed Front: Bonfire," the Hong Kong Police issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that the game advocates armed revolution and promotes Taiwan and Hong Kong independence, which could potentially lead to charges for possessing seditious material.
  2. The National Security Department (NSD) of Hong Kong might release a statement regarding the game "Reversed Front: Bonfire" given its sensitive content and potential violation of national security laws.
  3. OpenAI recently reported an increase in negative comments on "Reversed Front: Bonfire" allegedly originating from China, suggesting a growing tension surrounding the game's content and portrayal of human rights issues.

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