The Smite Controversy Continues as Religious Leaders Speak Out

The popular online game Smite remains at the center of a growing controversy over its portrayal of Hindu gods, sparking backlash from religious leaders. Although Hi-Rez Studios, the game’s developer, recently stated they have no plans to change the game and even intend to add more deities to its lineup, the opposition continues to gather support from leaders of multiple faiths.

Rajan Zed, the Hindu leader who first raised objections, has garnered support from figures across various religions. Joining him are Rabbi ElizaBeth Beyer and Buddhist Jikai’ Phil Bryan, both of whom echoed concerns about Smite’s portrayal of divine figures from Hinduism and other religious traditions. Rabbi Beyer specifically urged Hi-Rez to respect Hindu beliefs, stating that the company should “avoid trivializing the deeply held beliefs of Hindus by changing the product accordingly.”

While Smite is praised for its unique blend of mythology and competitive gameplay, this controversy highlights the sensitivities surrounding the depiction of religious figures in entertainment. Hi-Rez has yet to make a further statement regarding the recent support for Zed’s original appeal, leaving the future of this issue uncertain.

What is Smite?

Smite is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Hi-Rez Studios, released in 2014. Unlike many MOBAs, Smite allows players to control their characters from a third-person perspective, giving a fresh twist to the genre. The game stands out by featuring characters from real-world mythology as playable gods and goddesses, allowing players to embody mythological figures like Thor, Zeus, and Kali.

Each match in Smite involves two teams competing in various game modes, where players can select their favorite deities, each of whom has unique skills and abilities. With its dynamic gameplay and diverse mythological inspiration, Smite has gained a dedicated following and is a staple in the world of online competitive gaming.

The controversy stems from Smite’s inclusion of Hindu gods as playable characters, particularly figures like Kali and Ganesha. Some religious leaders argue that depicting gods in a battle-oriented video game is disrespectful and reduces sacred figures to mere game avatars. Here’s a quick look at the primary concerns raised:

• Religious Representation

Leaders from Hindu, Jewish, and Buddhist faiths have expressed concerns about the portrayal of gods and deities in a violent and competitive gaming environment.

• Cultural Sensitivity

Critics argue that using religious figures in games can trivialize important beliefs, prompting a call for companies to approach religious content thoughtfully.

• Hi-Rez’s Stance

Despite the backlash, Hi-Rez has stood firm, stating that they plan to continue expanding their mythological roster, which could potentially heighten the debate.

With the gaming industry frequently drawing inspiration from mythology and history, Smite’s controversy raises an ongoing question for developers — how to balance creative freedom with cultural respect. For now, Hi-Rez seems set on its current path, though continued dialogue may influence future approaches to in-game content.