Apple reverses, returns certain games and apps with the Confederate flag to the App Store

Yesterday, Apple was tossing out games and apps from the App Store that showed the Confederate flag. Despite making a statement that contradicted its actions, Apple threw out games and apps even if the flag was displayed for historical or educational reasons. But just one day later, Apple is returning certain games and apps to the store as long as they adhere to the tech giant's original statement.

When Apple made that statement about removing the games and apps on Thursday, it said that it was removing those that "that use the Confederate flag in offensive or mean-spirited ways, which is in violation of our guidelines. We are not removing apps that display the Confederate flag for educational or historical uses." But Apple appeared to be ignoring that last sentence. Some of the games and apps removed yesterday were using the Confederate flag in a historical or educational context.

Game Labs, the developer of "Ultimate General: Gettysburg," had its game removed from the App Store yesterday. The company subsequently released a statement that said "We believe that all historical art forms: books, movies, or games such as ours, help to learn and understand history, depicting events as they were. True stories are more important to us than money." Unlike other developers, Game Labs was not willing to resubmit its game with a less-offensive flag from 1861 like others were planning. Now, if Apple holds true to its statement, the game could be returning to the App Store. After all, "Ultimate General: Gettysburg" is reportedly used in the classroom as a teaching aide.

Apple will no doubt be going through each game, looking to see how the Confederate flag is being used. If it is being portrayed as a symbol of racism, that game or app will not be returning to the App Store. Those Civil War games and apps that do use the flag for educational or historical purposes should end up back on App Store shelves.

source: TechCrunch via SlashGear