Apple denied the politically charged platformer Liyla and the Shadows of War from making it onto the App Store because, according to its developer, the game "has a political statement." In a tweet, designer Rasheed Abueideh posted a response allegedly sent to him by Apple, in which the company explains how his submission doesn't qualify as a game.

"Please revise the app category for your app and remove it from Games, since we found that your app is not appropriate in the Games category," the letter reads. "It would be more appropriate to categorize your app in News or Reference for example."

Abueideh contended that Liyla and the Shadows of War's strong political content is a factor in Apple's rejection. The black-and-white mobile game focuses heavily on the realities of life in the Gaza Strip. Players must navigate through constant bombing and shooting in an attempt to find a safer home. Despite the grave subject matter, the title otherwise features typical platforming elements and puzzle-solving.

The Google Play shop currently lists the title among its adventure games; it's rated for mature audiences. Earlier this year, Liyla and the Shadows of War won honors from the Reboot Develop Indie Awards, held at a Croatian game industry conference.

We've reached out to Apple about why Liyla and the Shadows of War failed to pass muster with the Games side of the App Store. Android owners interested in the project can download it for free from Google Play, where it launched earlier this week.

Update: Liyla and the Shadows of War is now available on the App Store — in the Games section. The developer tweeted yesterday that Apple had decided to publish it as a game, despite initial reservations.

Just happening: Apple reconsider its decision, they will publish Liyla as a Game.

Thanks to all of you.

— Rasheed Abueideh (@RasheedAbueideh) May 22, 2016