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Activision Pulls German 'Wolfenstein' Over Swastika

by Warren Riddle on September 24, 2009 at 08:41 AM

The latest installment in one of the longest-running video game franchises is getting pulled from the shelves in Germany. The 'Castle Wolfenstein' series debuted in 1981 for the Apple II, and the most recent release, 'Wolfenstein' for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, is getting removed by publisher Activision because of a reviled symbol that inconspicuously appears during the game.

The swastika has been around for thousands of years, but it's most widely known as a Nazi emblem, and has come to represent white power, hatred, and bigotry. It's also illegal to display the symbol in Germany. According to PC World, someone playing 'Wolfenstein' identified a swastika and even though it was only noticeable "upon closer inspection," Activision issued a statement declaring that they had "decided to take this game immediately from the German market."






Since it is such an incredibly emotionally-charged subject, Activision is probably taking the wisest course of action, even though some may consider it extreme. The symbol conjures memories of a horrific period in history, but perhaps the game could actually serve as a positive release. After all, 'Call of Duty' has helped people, including a New York rabbi, overcome their hatred and fear of Nazis. [From: PC World]




Tags: castle wolfenstein, CastleWolfenstein, nazis, swastika, top, wolfenstein

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