Controversial ‘Bomb Gaza’ game pulled from Google Play store

Move over Flappy Bird, there's a new mobile game gaining fame online and not for its addictive gameplay.

'Bomb Gaza' was available for download on Android phones and tablets since July 29. As you'd imagine, it's already been pulled from the Google Play store.

The game is a re-imagining of the current Israel-Hamas conflict happening in Gaza where at least 1,800 Palestinians have been killed and 3,000 homes have been destroyed before a 72-hour truce that began Tuesday morning.

Played in the classic Super Mario-esque side-scroller 2D format, users take control of an airborne Israeli jet and drop missiles on Hamas soldiers sporting creepy smiles, bug eyes, and all-black attire while listening to Israeli theme music. Users earn points by hitting soldiers but lose them when they misfire and strike civilians dressed in white.

Developed by PlayFTW, the game was downloaded about 1,000 times before it was removed. Maturity settings were set on low, which allows play by gamers of all ages.

Might as well plan a night of family fun.

Before it was removed, angry users bombarded the game's Google Play store page with negative comments. Many have continued the assault over at PlayFTW's Facebook fan page.

"WTH were you thinking? Whoever developed these games are sick in the head," Debra Migdad wrote.

"This is disgusting and sick!!! What is wrong with you people? YOU NEED TO BECOME HUMAN and understand that this, no matter the nationality, is wrong on a human level. Jerks. I am trying very hard to stay a lady and a HUMAN BEING," Carly Hassan Ali Madden added.

Nearly 100 comments have been posted as responses to the page's attempt to advertise Bomb Gaza. A newer post: "at least some activity :D" seems to reference all the publicity PlayFTW is receiving.

You know what they say: Any publicity is good publicity.

Google officials say the game was deleted for violating policies but did not clarify which ones. Policy guidelines do not allow spam or most nudity, but offensive content and violence are not mentioned.

Other apps dealing with the Israel-Palestine conflict have made their way onto Google as well. 'Gaza Hero' describes itself as a charity game for the region. Users click on incoming Israeli jets to turn them into food, water, cake, and medicine for Palestine. 'Iron Dome - The Game' touches on the controversial missile defence system supplied by the U.S. to Israel. Users use it to protect a city from incoming "terrorists" who are dropping from the sky with parachutes. The game's description says: "Terrorists are infiltrating the city and exploding their-selves (sic) in the name of their god. You are our last hope."

Both games have received largely negative feedback with users pointing to the fact that they should not remain available for download when Bomb Gaza was deleted.

PlayFTW has two other apps available for download. "Space War - New Era" is a space shooter similar to the classic Galaga, and the other is piano simulator.

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