EA Removes Taliban From 'Medal Of Honor'

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Electronic Arts has renamed the enemy forces opposing U.S. troop in the multiplayer portion of the upcoming 'Medal of Honor' game, dropping the name Taliban out of respect for the real-world soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.

Instead, EA will use the name "Opposing Force" for enemy troops battling U.S. soldiers. The game maker said it was making the game change after friends and families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan expresses concern over the inclusion of the Taliban in the game.

"This is a voice that has earned the right to be listened to," Greg Goodrich, executive producer of "Medal of Honor," said in the company's blog. "It is a voice that we care deeply about."

Goodrich said the change wouldn't have any effect on the functionality of the game. "We are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice -- this franchise will never willfully disrespect intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service."

"Medal Of Honor" is scheduled to be released Oct. 12, with the multiplayer portion to begin open beta Oct. 4. The latest version is the first time the first-person shooter game takes place in Afghanistan rather than World War II.

First released in November 1999, the game is available today for the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii. The multiplayer portion can be played on a Windows PC or Apple Mac.

"Medal Of Honor" is one of the major releases heading to stores in time for the holiday shopping season. Other major releases include "Halo: Reach," the latest version of the hugely popular "Halo" games for the Xbox 360.

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