The Universal Society of Hinduism has renewed its call to remove Hindu deities from the game SMITE, now approaching QuakeCon to pull the game from its lineup.
The inclusion of the Hindu pantheon in the game is seen by the group as disrespectful since the religion is not only active, but still one of the largest denominations in the world. Rajan Zed, spokesman for the group, wrote:
Reimagining Hindu scriptures and deities for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees. Controlling and manipulating goddess Kali and other Hindu deities with a joystick/ button/keyboard/mouse was denigration. Goddess Kali and other Hindu deities were meant to be worshipped in temples and home shrines and not meant to be reduced to just a "character" in a video game to be used in combat in the virtual battleground.
QuakeCon, which starts today, had 8500 participants last year. Many games are featured, and prizes up to $16,000 are awarded for those who compete and win tournaments at the three day convention. QuakeCon has not responded to the request from the Universal Society of Hinduism. Hi-Rez Studio, makers of SMITE, have rejected calls in the past to remove the Hindu pantheon from the game.
More information can be found at http://kotaku.com/5930588/hindu-group-wants-religious-arena-combat-game-pulled-from-quakecon