The government of Tajikistan has delivered an unexpected blow to the video game industry by banning Counter-Strike. This decision has stirred the gaming community, as now the major Valve titles are outlawed in one of the central Asian countries. The ban, announced last week, is based on official findings regarding the harm these games cause to the youth.

Interest in this news is fueled by the fact that Counter-Strike is one of the most popular games in the world, and restrictions on its distribution in any country could set precedents. In Tajikistan, it is believed that games with elements of violence destroy moral values and provoke an increase in crime among teenagers.

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Context and Reasons for the Ban

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan reported that the measures were taken following a study conducted by the Ministry of Culture. According to the study, games containing scenes of murder, theft, and violence have a "negative impact on the younger generation." In particular, the statement emphasizes: "Youth who regularly play these games are prone to delinquency." Furthermore, the Ministry has instructed shop owners to cease selling the banned games and has also appealed to parents to monitor their children's leisure activities.

Support for the Ban and Previous Examples

This decision is not unprecedented. Recall how in Brazil from 2007 to 2009 Counter-Strike was banned due to "harm to consumers' health." However, two years later, the restrictions were lifted, and the game returned to the market. Now, Tajikistan has taken the same path but with even more stringent control measures.

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How Will the Ban Affect Moving Forward?

Whether this measure will contribute to a reduction in teenage crime or spark protests from the local gaming community remains a question. In any case, the ban on Counter-Strike in Tajikistan raises the issue of freedom of choice and the influence of video games on society, which has been discussed for several years.