A group of Hindus has lodged a complaint with SMITE developer Hi-Rez Studios about the inclusion of several deities withing the game. SMITE includes Kali, Vamana and Agni. The group maintains that using images of important deities hurts devotees of Hinduism.

In response to the issue, Hi Rez Studios CEO Todd Harris had this to say:

"SMITE includes deities inspired from a diverse and ever expanding set of pantheons including Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, and Norse. Hinduism, being one of the world's oldest, largest and most diverse traditions, also provides inspiration toward deities in our game. In fact, given Hinduism's concept of a single truth with multiple physical manifestations one could validly interpret ALL the gods within SMITE to be Hindu. And all gods outside of SMITE as well. Ponder that for a minute. Anyway, going forward SMITE will include even more deities, not fewer." - Todd Harris, Hi-Rez Studios Chief Operating Officer

I like what he say

He smart

He right

He win

And the game is good so yep

people lodge complaints about everything! It's getting old and annoying.

I WANT JESUS!

I think an issue arrises when religious figures that are still believed in and revered today are used.  For example, there would be real issues with including Jesus or Muhammad.  This is so intuitive that I don't believe Hi-Rez would ever, even for a second, consider doing so.  The very inclusion of the chosen gods in SMITE assumes that they are indeed mytholigical--not real.  This obviously would be offensive to anyone who happens to still believe in any of them.

Lets see them try and include Jesus or Muhammed, then you'll see true butthurt.

Originally posted by Homitu

I think an issue arrises when religious figures that are still believed in and revered today are used.  For example, there would be real issues with including Jesus or Muhammad.  This is so intuitive that I don't believe Hi-Rez would ever, even for a second, consider doing so.  The very inclusion of the chosen gods in SMITE assumes that they are indeed mytholigical--not real.  This obviously would be offensive to anyone who happens to still believe in any of them.

Well... Hinduism is still believed in and revered.  So your point about not using Jesus or Muhammad validly fits the Hindu faith as well.

I'm still waiting for them to include deities from Abrahamic religions. There's really no reason to exclude them when there's deities from other active religions in the game. Why should Islam and Christianity be exempt?

Jesus would suck as an ingame character anyway

I think they could give Jesus some cool powers.  He can maybe float , come back to life after death(limited), have some kind of holy AOE, shoot out crosses, have a cool glowing white cape.

Hard not to offend anyone these days.  Too many people feel empowered by the can't hurt anyone's feelings brigade that has inundated our society.  It is a game, nothing whatsoever to do with a religion.

Originally posted by Ozmodan

Hard not to offend anyone these days.  Too many people feel empowered by the can't hurt anyone's feelings brigade that has inundated our society.  It is a game, nothing whatsoever to do with a religion.

I agree 100% and loved Todd's responce to the issue.

Has this Rajan Zed ever heard of Digital Devil Saga?  That game is also entirely based on Hindu mythology and has your character turning into demon versions of Hindu gods (Agni, Prithvi, Varna, etc.) and EATING PEOPLE.

That game came out on the PS2 in 2004! You can't pick and choose what you can complain about.  If this group cares so much about Hindu gods being portrayed in games, they should pay more attention.  SMITE sure isn't the first game to use Hindu gods, I'm sure theres many others than Digital Devil Saga.

I'm really glad the Hi Rez CEO brushed this off, because it should be.  We going to see someone complain about Zeus and Athena in God of War next?

Technically Jesus is a son of a god! *drums* *claps*  o_X

As much as I want to be on his side I just can't. The fact is, they'll never include religious figures from the Islamic, Christian or Jewish faiths. They won't include them because of the incredible amount of hate that would ensue. So, for Tod Harris to simply brush this group of Hindus and their complaint aside just comes off as very hypocritical. These Hindu's complaint is no less valid than would be those of Christians if they were to include Jesus. I've lost a little respect for this man, his 'Get Over It' reponse just doesn't sit well with me.

Originally posted by booheads

I think they could give Jesus some cool powers.  He can maybe float , come back to life after death(limited), have some kind of holy AOE, shoot out crosses, have a cool glowing white cape.

 

 

 

LOL!

Originally posted by Dominionlord

people lodge complaints about everything! It's getting old and annoying.

No kidding! You should see the forums at mmorpg.com! It's just crazy I tell you!!

You know that no one believes in greek mithology, right?

He basically said " And I care why ?"

What's the big deal? This stuff is just imaginary. Do people really believe in gods and magic? If they do, the problem lies within them, and not with game developers.