Indie video game release draws controversy over potential ties to Israel
In the gaming world, the upcoming indie game Tamashika, developed by quicktequila and published by Harmony Korine's EDGLRD, has found itself in the crosshairs of controversy. The game, set to release in 2025, has stirred up a storm on social media due to its publishers’ and developers' alleged political stances.
The Political Controversy
Developer's Embrace of Zionism
quicktequila, the genius behind Tamashika, caused quite a stir when they publicly declared their support for Zionism on their official X account. The now-deleted post read, "Plot twist: I was always a Zionist!" This proclamation ignited a firestorm of criticism from pro-Palestinian activists and gamers alike.
Allegations Against the Publisher
Moving on to EDGLRD, owned by Harmony Korine and his spouse Rachel Korine, accusations surfaced that they had raised over $10 million for Israel's IDF. These claims, made by the pro-Palestine organization Reverse Canary Mission, have further fanned the flames of controversy, even though there's no direct evidence connecting the developer to any financial support for Israel.
Community Reaction
In response to the disclosed political standpoints, players have been vocal in expressing their disapproval. Many have openly appealed to others not to promote or "wishlist" Tamashika, leading to a noticeable drop in the game's popularity.
A Unique Anime-Style Shooter in the Making
Despite the political uproar, Tamashika continues to intrigue gamers with its alluring promise. It's an anime-themed first-person shooter offering a distinctive experience akin to classic FPS titles like Doom and Post Void but with a spiritually refreshing twist. A demo of the game is already available on Steam, according to its official page.
The Tamashika controversy brings into sharp focus the ongoing debates within gaming communities about the influence of political affiliations on indie game promotion and reception. As the release date of the game nears, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will die down or continue to rage on.
Stay tuned for more updates on Tamashika and other exciting games in the world of indie gaming!
[1] A. Philip Shenon, “The Political Controversy Surrounding Tamashika,” Al Bawaba, June 16th, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ourwebsite.com/tamashika-controversy/
- The political controversy surrounding Tamashika has sparked heated debates within gaming communities about the influence of political affiliations on indie game promotion and reception.
- In light of the publishers' and developers' alleged political stances, gamers have expressed their disapproval by appealing not to promote or "wishlist" Tamashika, leading to a drop in the game's popularity.
- The gaming world is abuzz with news about the upcoming indie game Tamashika, caught in controversy due to its connections with Zionism and allegations of financial support for Israel's IDF.
- The controversy has also fueled discussions on social media regarding war-and-conflicts, history, politics, general-news, and entertainment, making Tamashika a central topic of conversation.
