GeoGuessr, a popular geographical trivia game, decided to withdraw from Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup following significant backlash from its community regarding the country's human rights issues and allegations of sportswashing. The game's CEO expressed that the initial agreement to participate was intended to foster community engagement in the Middle East, but ultimately recognized that the decision did not align with the values of GeoGuessr. In protest, some map creators made their contributions unplayable, highlighting community influence over corporate decisions.
"You-our community-have made it clear that this decision does not align what GeoGuessr stands for," the CEO behind the game announced on Thursday.
"When we made that decision, it was with positive intentions. To engage with our community in the Middle East and to spread GeoGuessr's core mission of let everyone Explore the World."
"That said, you-our community-have made it clear that this decision does not align what GeoGuessr stands for. So, when you tell us we've got it wrong we take it seriously."
"The EWC is a sportswashing tool used by the government of Saudi Arabia to distract from and conceal its horrific human rights record."
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