Feb 16 • 18:34 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway VG

Roblox removes Utøya game after warning from Barne­vakten

A game based on the Utøya terror attack was removed from Roblox following intervention by Barnevakten due to its violent content.

A game titled "Utøya! (norwegian back story)" which depicted the 2011 terror attack on Utøya, was removed from the gaming platform Roblox after Barnevakten, a Norwegian organization dedicated to protecting children, alerted the company about its content. The game featured violent scenes depicting a scenario where players were chased by an individual in a police uniform who shot at them, which raised significant concerns about the game's appropriateness for children.

Barnevakten highlighted the issue as particularly alarming since the game was based on a real-life tragic event, thus violating several of Roblox's terms and conditions which prohibit the creation of games based on terrorism and extreme violence. The organization expressed concern over the exposure of children to inappropriate content, advocating for stricter regulations and vigilant monitoring of game content on platforms used by minors.

The decision to remove the game underscores the delicate balance gaming platforms must maintain between user-generated content and ensuring the safety and mental well-being of their young users. This case also shines a light on the responsibilities of such platforms in curating and moderating content, especially in relation to sensitive real-world events, to prevent the glorification of violence and protect vulnerable audiences.

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