Freedom of Expression Is Not a License to Insult... Respect Is Not Optional

Freedom of expression has always been one of the principles we believe in. It is a right that allows every player to express their opinions, discuss ideas, and disagree with others without fear of being silenced. However, recent events within the game raise serious questions about what this principle truly means and the standards by which it is enforced.

Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to insult, and disagreement does not give anyone the right to disrespect the beliefs of others or deliberately provoke them over matters they hold sacred.

Your freedom ends where the rights and dignity of others begin. You can disagree with anyone, criticize any idea or viewpoint, but that does not give you the right to turn other people's religious beliefs into a subject of mockery or provocation, only to hide behind the banner of freedom of expression afterward.

Unfortunately, the issue is no longer limited to the actions of individual players. It has extended to the way moderators and administrators handle these violations.

While we see Arab players being banned or punished for their first violation or even the slightest mistake, insults targeting religions and sacred beliefs are sometimes met with silence or leniency, as though the rules apply to some people but not others.

This raises a fundamental question: Are there clear and consistent rules for everyone, or has their enforcement become dependent on the personal preferences and interests of moderators?

Double standards are more dangerous than the violation itself, because they destroy trust in those responsible for enforcing the rules.

Any moderator who demands that players respect the rules must be the first to abide by them and treat everyone according to the same standards, without discrimination based on nationality, language, religion, or personal relationships.

We are not against freedom of expression, nor are we against cultural and ideological differences. What we reject is the use of these principles as a cover for insults, or as a privilege granted to some while denied to others.

We have enjoyed this game, spent countless memorable hours playing it, contributed to promoting it, attracted new players, and built friendships and communities within it. We did not do all this just to eventually witness an environment where players are treated by different standards, or where respect for someone's religion and beliefs becomes negotiable.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for the fairness that should form the foundation of any successful community, whether in the real world or within a virtual gaming environment.

If this approach continues, the consequences will not be limited to the frustration or departure of a few individuals. It may drive large numbers of Arab players to leave the game collectively and stop supporting or promoting it.

This is not a threat; it is a natural consequence of losing trust and feeling disrespected.

No player should have to remain in an environment where their dignity and beliefs are treated as less important than the preferences of those managing it.

We want a game that brings people together, not one that divides them. We want rules that protect everyone, not rules that are enforced against some while ignored when it comes to others.

Ultimately, our message is clear:

Respect the beliefs of others as you expect them to respect yours. Enforce the rules equally, without exceptions. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility, justice must never be selective, and respect is the bare minimum required for any community to survive.