Capcom Removes Islamic Phrase From Wii Game

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has announced that publisher and developer Capcom has agreed to remove a common Islamic phrase from its forthcoming Wii title Zack & Wiki after receiving complaints from CAIR and others. As showcased in a preview video (around 0:43), a sample can be heard saying "Allahu akbar" ("God is most Great"), a phrase, explains CAIR, "frequently repeated religious statements made by Muslims and is used often in daily Islamic prayers." CAIR has said that a Capcom spokesperson has e-mailed the group saying, "We have already contacted the team working on the game, and the phrase has been removed from the game and will not be heard in future videos released to the public," adding that the developer had received other complaints as well. In February of 2003, Microsoft Game Studios and DreamFactory's Xbox fighter Kakuto Chojin was recalled for containing clips of the Koran being read as part of its background soundtrack. CAIR lists itself as America's largest Islamic civil liberties group with 33 offices and chapters in the US and Canada, which strives to "enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding." Said CAIR communications coordinator Amina Rubin, "We appreciated Capcom's willingness to address Muslim concerns and applaud the company's swift and appropriate actions."