Bethesda has taken down the controversial fan modification for Doom 2 titled 'Thatcher’s Techbase' from the official website after receiving reports of breaking its rule against “real-world politics.”
Mod Removal
The mod, where players can fight digitally with former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in a hellish landscape, is no longer available on consoles through Bethesda’s website. However, PC users can still download and play the mod through the creator’s website.
Reactions and Consequences
This decision to take down the mod came after it was added to the official mod page, where it appeared to console players for the first time. 'Thatcher’s Techbase' has garnered a loyal following since its launch in 2021 because of its extreme and humorous nature that allows players to 'send Margaret Thatcher back to the deepest pits of hell.' Even though the mod was taken down from Bethesda’s platform, there are still platforms for the mod on PC, which makes the mod still afloat within the Doom modding society.
Impact on Gaming Community
'Thatcher’s Techbase' drew attention not only to the pure concept but for the presence of famous politicians who admired it. Former Labor Party leader and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn went much further and even played the mod in public and liked it so much that he posed with an arcade machine that runs the game. This endorsement contributed further to the negative perception of the mod and made it become a politically oriented satire in the gaming world.
The removal of the 'Thatcher’s Techbase' mod from Bethesda’s official website underscores the importance of maintaining political neutrality in games and reflects the company’s strict policy regarding real-world politics.
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