| Sarbloh Warriors: BBC's Mis-take on Sikh Video Game |
| A new controversial game is set to hit the marketplace, but not without some good old Sikh-Muslim controversy. |
| by Serena Mann |
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Sikhiart, a volunteer organization that contributes to various youth clubs and camps in Britain, has developed the first Sikh computer game module entitled Sarbloh Warriors. Sarbloh Warriors is a tribute to past Sikh warriors during the 17th century where evil moguls feared the Sikh's strength and ordered them to be hunted and killed. The term "sarbloh", meaning iron, is a direct reference to the Sikh warrior's iron strength to survive.
South Asian communities in Britain are known for having extremists that harbor racist sentiments between Muslims and Sikhs. Since the game is based on historic incidents surrounding Sikh violence, media giants such as the BBC have criticized the game as being racially prejudice and violent against Muslims. Taranjit Singh, the project's leader and 3D designer stated, "Now, where the BBC got "SIKHS KILLING MUSLIMS" from I don't know." In a blog Singh added, "It (the game) will show you that Sikhs and Muslims never hated each other, actually they worked together."
Sikhiart claims that the game's main goal is education. It is meant to enlighten Sikh youth and engage them in their history and religion. On their website Sikhiart claims, "We believe that the best way to communicate with young people is through the medium of games and animation."
The game is 3D action adventure where players take on a third person perspective. Dealing with issues surrounding racism, genocide, identity, and compassion, Sarbloh Warriors highlights why the Sikhs were massacred and depicts images of Indian and Islamic architecture. The game is currently being developed on a not-for-profit basis - seeking donations from anyone willing to contribute to the project. Sarbloh Warriors is set to release in 2007.
For more information visit: http://sarblohwarriors.co.uk
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