“Reversed Front: Bonfire” in Hong Kong: Play a Mobile Game, Go to Jail

Why is the CCP so fearful of what is, after all, just a humorous game about the conflict between China and “separatists”?

By Gladys Kwok

June 17, 2025

Poster for “Reversed Front: Bonfire.”

On June 10, the National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force warned Hongkongers “not to download a mobile application named ‘Reversed Front: Bonfire’ or provide funding to the application developer.” Those downloading or supporting the mobile game application will be prosecuted “for engaging in acts and activities endangering national security.”

The NSD stated that, “Any person or organisation who knowingly publishes the application or related content, including sharing or recommending the application to others via the Internet, may commit the offence of ‘incitement to secession’ under Article 21 and the offence of ‘incitement to subversion’ under Article 23 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as ‘offences in connection with seditious intention’ under Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.” All the offenses carry heavy jail penalties.

Why is the CCP so upset about a mobile game? Created by a Taiwanese studio, ESC, the game has rapidly gained traction in Hong Kong, capitalizing on its politically charged narrative. Players can align with groups such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Tibet, Kazakhs, Uyghurs, Manchuria, or the “Rebel Alliance of Cathaysian and Southeast Asia,” aiming to undermine the Communist regime. Conversely, players can lead China’s People’s Liberation Army to suppress these factions and eliminate the perceived separatist threats. This dual-choice mechanic underscores the game’s provocative engagement with sensitive geopolitical issues, illustrating a complex interplay between gameplay and real-world political dynamics.

The game’s official website explicitly declares that it is categorized as a “work of nonfiction.“ The statement emphasizes that “any resemblance to real-life agencies, policies, or ethnic groups within the PRC is deliberate.”

The game features a range of somewhat comedic characters; however, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) approaches it with high seriousness and scrutiny.

Characters of “Reversed Front: Bonfire.”

The NSD believes that, “‘Reversed Front: Bonfire’, was released under the guise of a game with the aim of promoting secessionist agendas such as ‘Taiwan independence’ and ‘Hong Kong independence,’ advocating armed revolution and the overthrow of the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. It also has an intention to provoke hatred towards the Central Authorities and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”

But then the CCP was never known for having a sense of humor.

Source: bitterwinter.org