Paradox issues statement following backlash over Atatürk ban

Paradox Interactive’s popular strategy game Hearts of Iron IV faced backlash after a Turkish player was banned from its official Discord server for using an image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as their profile picture.

Moderators had claimed that Atatürk was a “controversial figure” and demanded that the player change their profile picture. The scandalous decision sparked outrage among Turkish players.

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Following the controversy, Hearts of Iron IV Game Director Batya issued a statement on the matter.

PARADOX TO REVIEW THE DECISION

The Game Director acknowledged that the decision was not consistent and announced that the rule in question and the bans issued under this scope would be reviewed.

The statement also highlighted the importance of Atatürk to Turkey, noting, “We understand what Atatürk means to many of you as the founder of the Republic of Turkey and the father of the nation.”

The statement is as follows:

"I want to clarify that our games or our moderation are not intended to comment on or judge any historical figure, and this is no exception.

Many of you have written to us in recent days regarding this topic and our Discord rules about the moderation of historical profile pictures: one of our rules concerns the use of real-life people as profile pictures.

The messages and discussions that followed have made it clear that there are concerns about how we apply our rules and, in particular, whether this is done equally and fairly.

Following these discussions, it has become clear that this rule needs to be reviewed and has not been applied consistently.

Therefore, we will review the rule, the measures taken, and the bans issued during this period, and we will make the necessary changes."

News Source: 12punto