Since almost a year before the release of Dante’s Inferno (which is dropping this week), EA’s new intellectual property has been stirring up controversy. Electronic Arts is completely aware of this, and they are being a little proactive to avoid more controversy.
In a statement issued by EA, the powerhouse publisher announced that Dante’s Inferno would not be released in the Middle Eastern region due to “consumer tastes” and “preferences”. According to the official statement:
“Electronic Arts has decided not to release Dante’s Inferno in the Middle East after an evaluation process which is based on consumer tastes, preferences, platform mix and other factors.”
As most can easily speculate, with Dante’s Inferno’s heavy religious influence, it is natural that an area awash in religious controversy such as the Middle East would be avoided when it comes to this type of game. Dante’s Inferno releases in North America, however, on February 9, 2010.
[Source]