In a classic example of 'missing the forest for the trees,' the Chinese government has banned undead skeletons from World of Warcraft, insisting they be covered up with flesh. The9, the Chinese company that holds the license to operate WoW in China, complied with the order, as well as the demand to change player corpses into graves. The reason? Promoting 'harmonious society,' of course.

Hu Jintao, Chinese president, has called for action to 'purify' the internet of anything that might affect 'national cultural information security' or undermine his attempt to promote a 'harmonious society'.

I'm not sure what in the hell bare-boned skeletons have to do with 'national cultural information security' and/or promoting a 'harmonious society,' but what Beijing wants, Beijing gets. Chinese WoW players are angry about the change, and no one's really sure why skeletons in WoW have gotten facelifts while nothing has been done in any other game operating in China.

Censorship reaches internet skeletons [Gulfnews via QJ.net]

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