iOS port of The Binding of Isaac rejected for ‘violence against children’

It looks like Edmund McMillen’s roguelike The Binding of Isaac will not be coming to iPhone and iPad any time soon.

The game from the Super Meat Boy creator was released several years ago on PC, before receiving an expanded release across multiple platforms, including PS4 and Xbox One, as The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth in 2014. An expansion, Afterbirth, debuted last year.

Developer Nialis has been attempting to bring the title to mobile platforms in the form of an iOS port. However, Apple has rejected Isaac’s submission to the App Store, citing its refusal of ‘content or features that depict violence towards, or abuse of, children’.

Isaac’s titular character is inspired by his Biblical namesake; his religious mother, upon seemingly being contacted by God, punishes her young child for what she believes as being corrupted by sin. When this proves fruitless in curing his supposed ailment, she then attempts to sacrifice the young boy. Players are faced with battling through the house’s basement as Isaac attempts to escape his mother.

Nialis founder Tyrone Rodriguez tweeted a screenshot of Apple’s rejection notice, and has the option to challenge the decision.

Rodriguez has previously criticised Nintendo over several approval battles that resulted in Nialis games not making it to European shores. However, The Binding of Isaac has since been released on both 3DS and Wii U.

C'mon, wtf… Apple pic.twitter.com/aEygkjqH2b

— Tyrone Rodriguez ( ● ︿●) (@tyronerodriguez) February 7, 2016