EIDOS INTERACTIVE RESPONDS TO SIKHNET
Copyright 2002 www.tombraiderchronicles.com

[ November 13th 2002 ]

Eidos Interactive has responded to claims from over 100 Sikh and non-Sikh organizations that Hitman 2: Silent Assassin glorified violence and incited racism and hatred against Sikhs and Dalits by linking them to terrorism. The London-based publishers maintains it has come to an "amicable position" with the Sikh Coalition, and will respond by removing all relevant content from the Hitman 2 website.

In a statement released, the company said: "Eidos Plc is pleased to confirm that it has reached an amicable position with the Sikh Coalition in relation to the changing of certain images and references depicting Sikhs within the game Hitman 2: Silent Assassin which is on general release. In recognition of the concerns and sensitivities which have been raised, Eidos and the developers, IO Interactive, have responded in both a socially and commercially responsible manner.

"Eidos and IO Interactive would like to stress that no offence was intended but would like to apologise to the Sikh community and other persons for any offence taken. Eidos recognises the value of upholding the Company's good corporate citizenship status and strives to observe high standards of ethical behaviour in all its business activities. To that end, the lessons learned from the concerns expressed by the Sikh community will help to ensure that the Company continues to observe and respect cultural, religious and ethical sensitivities in its future products."

SikhNet, a global community of over 100 Sikh and non-Sikh organizations, had launched a campaign to demand Eidos Interactive recall its best-selling Hitman 2: Silent Assassin videogame from the market by lobbying for signatures on a petition raised against racism issues allegedly amplified by the game.