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Hong Kong police warn users over downloading ‘secessionist’ mobile game

The Guardian
Helen Davidson
Mobile gamesHong KongWorldAsia PacificTibetGamesCultureUyghursChinaTaiwanCommunism

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Hong Kong police have issued a warning against downloading "Reversed Front: Bonfire," a Taiwan-developed mobile game, labeling it "secessionist" and advocating armed revolution. The game allows players to "overthrow the communist regime" and pledge allegiance to groups linked to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Manchuria. Police state that downloading the game could lead to charges of possessing seditious material, in-app purchases could be seen as funding secession, and recommending it could be incitement. The game's developers, ESC Taiwan, reported increased downloads and its removal from the Hong Kong App Store, advising users to change their Apple ID region. This warning is part of an ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong under the national security law.

Trending
  1. 1 2020: Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong.
  2. 2 Tuesday (implied June 10, 2025): Hong Kong police issued warning about the game.
  3. 3 Tuesday night (implied June 10, 2025): Game topped Hong Kong App Store downloads chart.
  4. 4 Wednesday morning (implied June 11, 2025): Game taken down from Hong Kong App Store.
  • Potential arrest and charges for users in Hong Kong
  • Game removed from Hong Kong App Store
  • Increased downloads globally
  • Further tightening of control and suppression of dissent in Hong Kong
What: Hong Kong police are warning citizens against downloading a Taiwan-developed mobile game, "Reversed Front: Bonfire," which they deem "secessionist" and promoting armed revolution against the communist regime.
When: On Tuesday (implied June 10, 2025), Hong Kong police issued the warning. On Wednesday (implied June 11, 2025), the game topped the Hong Kong App Store before being taken down.
Where: Hong Kong, Taiwan, China (PRC), Tibet, Xinjiang (Uyghurs), Kazakhstan (Kazakhs), Manchuria.
Why: The game's content is perceived by Hong Kong authorities as advocating secession and armed revolution, which violates the national security law imposed by Beijing.
How: Police issued a public warning, stating potential charges for downloading, making in-app purchases, or recommending the game. The game was subsequently removed from the Hong Kong App Store.

People

Jason Tzu Kuan Lu

Organizations

Hong Kong policeChinese Communist party (CCP)ESC Taiwan (Taiwan Overseas Strategic Communication Working Group)Apple

Locations

Hong KongTaiwanChinaKazakhstan

Hong Kong police have issued a warning against downloading "Reversed Front: Bonfire," a Taiwan-developed mobile game, labeling it "secessionist" and advocating armed revolution. The game allows players to "overthrow the communist regime" and pledge allegiance to groups linked to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Manchuria. Police state that downloading the game could lead to charges of possessing seditious material, in-app purchases could be seen as funding secession, and recommending it could be incitement. The game's developers, ESC Taiwan, reported increased downloads and its removal from the Hong Kong App Store, advising users to change their Apple ID region. This warning is part of an ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong under the national security law.