I have just submitted a game in which you play as a white blood cell fighting the viruses/bacterias entered the body shown in a storyline which apple deems is inappropriate and related to COVID19.
Here is the link to the storyline:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDonj5zU_80
History: I started development of this game 3 years ago in my spare time and the idea was to create a game which highlights the beauty and 24/7 struggle of the microbes to cooperate with each other in order for us to live and enjoy this brief moment which we call life.
In this version, I have reflected on myself as at the start of the pandemic I was cautious and followed every guideline of the health department but after 2 months I became reckless even though in my head I know that it is wrong as the pandemic isn't over yet. By doing that I am placing my trust in my Immune System to fight it off which is really difficult and thats what the game is about.
Currently, COVID19 has changed the policies of app stores to avoid COVID19 related app themes due to misinformation which I believe is great but is also an attack on freedom of speech because it eliminates any creative or constructive discussion about it.
And apparently apple has a history of doing that:-
https://ncac.org/news/blog/does-apples-strict-app-store-content-policy-limit-freedom-of-expression
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_by_Apple
Recently apple acknowledged that as well and says will allow developers to challenge the policies but its results are still debatable:-
https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/apple-app-developers-challenge-app-store-guidelines-1234645847/
Now I have submitted the appeal to appstore review board and waiting for their results but do you think I should get rid of the storyline which will destroy its artistic beauty and relatability to those who experience the pandemic in the same way as I do.
Your vote: Yes