Myanmar Military Junta Cracks Down on Rebel Online Games

Ban on Civil Defense Support Games Like 'War of Heroes' as Popularity Rises
Up to 10 Years Imprisonment for Merely Liking Resistance Group's Facebook Posts

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The Myanmar military junta has begun cracking down on online games that support the resistance movement and provide funding to anti-junta forces.

On the 23rd (local time), according to Myanmar Now, a local Myanmar media outlet, the military junta recently announced an order banning online games that simulate battles of the resistance forces. The junta also stated that legal action will be taken against people who have these games on their mobile phones and warned that companies advertising on these game applications will also be punished.

These games were created by young programmers in Myanmar to support the anti-junta armed struggle. Games named "War of Heroes," "PDF (People's Defense Force) Hero," "The PDF Game," and "End Game-Union" have gained great popularity both domestically in Myanmar and abroad. Users can target not only soldiers on the front lines but also military leaders and government officials such as the deputy prime minister. Moreover, it is not just a game; the revenue generated from watching advertisements and equipping game items is actually used to support the People's Defense Force.

As these games gained popularity, foreign media such as The New York Times also reported on the gaming craze. In particular, "War of Heroes," released in March, ranked within the top 10 in the Apple App Store in countries like the United States, Australia, and Singapore just days after its paid release.

Following the junta's order, mobile phone inspections are being conducted at checkpoints across Myanmar, and young people will be educated mainly on the dangers of these games, emphasizing that they support "terrorist organizations."

Additionally, the Myanmar military junta has threatened that sharing social media content of anti-junta forces or simply liking posts on Facebook can result in up to 10 years in prison, and providing funds to resistance forces will lead to even harsher sentences.

Since seizing power in a coup last February, the Myanmar military has continued brutal repression, including arresting opposition leaders and massacring civilians, drawing widespread international criticism.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.