Google play store app criticised for simulating MH17 crash

A new game in the Google play store, which is named after the Malaysian aircraft MH17, has garnered criticism for its concept that allows its users to fly a flight through a war zone and ends only when the flight crashes to the ground.

Terming it 'appalling,' The Daily Star reported that the app appeared on the Google Play store just hours after MH17 crashed in Ukraine killing everyone aboard.

The app was originally called Transporter Plane Shoot Back but was renamed MH17 Strikes Back after the attack. Following the outcry, its developer, Hendratan Apps, has although changed its title back to original yet part of its URL still reads, mh17.airplanesimulator.flightsim.simulator3d.

Its creator has claimed that the game that simulates the incident is a tribute to the crash victims. However, since the app is full of advertisements and Hendratan Apps receives revenue from each download, many have denounced it as an effort to cash in on the MH17 tragedy.

Apps in the play store are although not monitored by Google yet they are removed if flagged by users, the report added.