Apple uproots marijuana-themed game from app store—for now

Apple has uprooted from its App Store a marijuana-themed game, but the developers behind the removed app have promised to be back in no time.

 

Manitoba Games, whose iOS game "Weed Firm" was banned by Apple, hinted at a few tweaks before trying to bring the game back.

 

"This was entirely Apple's decision, not ours. We guess the problem was that the game was just too good and got to number one in All Categories, since there are certainly a great number of weed based apps still available, as well as games promoting other so-called 'illegal activities' such as shooting people, crashing cars and throwing birds at buildings," it said on its website.

 

Manitoba Games noted that while its game was also pulled from Google's Google Play store for Android devices, the problem was not with the game but with the publisher.

 

It said it also planned to return to Google Play once it got a suitable publisher.

 

"One thing we can promise you is that we will be back!" it said.

 

The developer also said it will assign the highest maturity rating to the game, to prevent children from playing "Weed Firm."

 

While taking a dig at Apple, it said it firmly believes "adults should have a choice to do whatever the hell they want as long as they are not hurting anybody in the process."

 

"If we let hypocrites determine what content is suitable for us we will soon all be watching (T)eletubbies instead of Breaking Bad and playing... oh I don't know… nothing good comes to mind, without some form of 'illegal activity' or other really," it said.

 

The game in question is centered on expelled botany sophomore "Ted Growing," who has to deal with "crooked cops," relentless gangsters, "Horny dancer Jane," and "a variety of weed types."

 

In the game, Growing inherits a growing operation and expands it.

 

"Learn to grow weed, plant new varieties to increase your yields, expand your customer base and interact with the characters to become the biggest weed dealer in town. Complete tasks to open new shelves in the store and become a more efficient and prosperous weed grower and seller.

Watch out for the thugs and cops," the developer said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News