October 31, 2002 

Mr. Michael P. McGarvey, CEO
Eidos, Incorporated
Wimbledon Bridge House
1 Hartfield Road
Wimbledon
London SW19 32RU 

Dear Mr. McGarvey: 

Your video game Hitman II: Silent Assassin recently came to my attention through my friends in California’s Sikh community. We are very concerned about the danger created for Sikhs by the game’s depictions of them. 

The game paints turban-wearing characters in a temple as no more than targets of an avenging Westerner. Sikhs were clearly the model used for the characters. Sikhs, who worship in temples called Gurdwaras, are a religious group native to the Indian subcontinent who cover their hair with turbans in adherence to their religious beliefs. 


Sikhs have no affiliation whatsoever with the evil criminals responsible for terrorist acts around the globe. But after the horrendous events of September 11, Sikhs have faced an undue backlash in our country because their turbans are misconstrued as having terrorist affiliations. The game furthers that misunderstanding and legitimizes assaults against Sikh individuals, as well as vandalism against Sikh Gurdwaras and other property. 

Every day we hear of terrible acts of violence caused by ignorance and intolerance. I believe that those in positions of influence, like you and I, who have gained so much from the stable, civil societies in which we live and work, have a special duty to promote behavior that reinforces those values. Unfortunately, your game does the opposite. It places targets on the bodies, homes, temples and businesses of innocent, law-abiding citizens. 

I ask you to thoroughly and expeditiously examine Hitman II in light of the Sikh community’s concerns and redraw the characters to remove insulting, inaccurate and discriminatory images. 

With kindest regards, 

ORIGINAL SIGNED 

CRUZ M. BUSTAMANTE
Lieutenant Governor 

CMB:az