Blizzard Cracking Down On "Inappropriate" Starcraft 2 Maps

Gamers seem to really be taking to Starcraft 2's create-your-own map feature, and that means one thing: "Inappropriate" maps. Unlike the free-for-all for maps in the first game, Blizzard has created a mechanism to flag and remove maps that are deemed inappropriate for various reasons.

According to Blizzard community manager Lylirra on the game's official message board:

While players are encouraged to share the maps they create through Battle.net, published maps are subject to review to ensure that they promote a fun and safe environment for all players...

If a map is found to contain inappropriate content, it will be removed from Battle.net and the map maker will be contacted via email. 

Case-in-point: SC 2 user Cyrileo. Cyrileo started a protest-thread because his popular map was pulled without explanation. At first, Cyrileo thought Blizzard pulled the map due to language concerns. Apparently, the map used the words "badass" and "redneck."

Blizzard, however, says that language has nothing to do with why they pulled the map.

"The map that was removed, and for which this thread exists, WAS NOT removed for using the words 'bad ass'. But we're not going to publicly release why or for what reasons we do remove maps."

Cyrileo apparently heard back from Blizzard, and believes the map was removed because the pathing in it could result in a racially insensitive symbol being displayed. Either way, Blizzard isn't saying. It's their policy not to publicly reveal why they pull content.

As anyone who reads the internet probably suspects, the response from some of the more vocal members of Blizzard's message board was "OMG! My freedoms are being oppressed!" Not so, according to Lylirra:

"Keeping people from seeing your hate speech and obscene images on our private game service is not the same as relinquishing your constitutional freedoms in the hopes of increased personal/familial security. Ben [Franklin] would tie you to a kite and let go of the string for making such comparisons."

Personally, I love obscene images, particulary, maps shaped like penises. This is not because of some personal affection for male genitalia, but rather because the inventiveness and ingenuity displayed in the production of dong-themed computer entertainment is truly inspiring. Also: It's funny. But I get why serious players wouldn't want Battle.net clogged up with a ton of silly maps.

But the hate speech? I can do without that, people.