Greg Goodrich, the executive producer of the upcoming first person shooter Medal of Honor has issued a statement today following criticism of the game's use of the Taliban as an opposing force to the United States and allied forces.

Following feedback from some corners of the community and friends and family of soldiers currently serving overseas, the decision has been made to remove the Taliban name from in the game. The enemy of the United States will now be called "Opposing Force."

Here's the statement in full, as issued on the official Medal Of Honor website:

In the past few months, we have received feedback from all over the world regarding the multiplayer portion of Medal of Honor. We’ve received notes from gamers, active military, and friends and family of servicemen and women currently deployed overseas. The majority of this feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. For this, the Medal of Honor team is deeply appreciative.

However, we have also received feedback from friends and families of fallen soldiers who have expressed concern over the inclusion of the Taliban in the multiplayer portion of our game. This is a very important voice to the Medal of Honor team. This is a voice that has earned the right to be listened to. It is a voice that we care deeply about. Because of this, and because the heartbeat of Medal of Honor has always resided in the reverence for American and Allied soldiers, we have decided to rename the opposing team in Medal of Honor multiplayer from Taliban to Opposing Force.

While this change should not directly affect gamers, as it does not fundamentally alter the gameplay, we are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice - this franchise will never willfully disrespect, intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service.

To all who serve - we appreciate you, we thank you, and we do not take you for granted. And to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines currently serving overseas, stay safe and come home soon

Medal Of Honor is currently in its multiplayer beta phase and will be released worldwide on October 12,2010.