The team behind Supremacy: World War 3—a rebranded version of Conflict of Nations—is facing sharp criticism following the release of a controversial TikTok ad that mocks the idea of selecting Iran as a starting nation in the game. The ad was released just days after Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire following a series of violent escalations.
“That’s Gotta Be the Dumbest Decision”: A Mocking Tone Toward Iran
The now-viral ad opens with a narrator declaring:
“If you pick Iran to take over the world with, that’s gotta be the dumbest decision I’ve ever heard.”
This line, seemingly meant for comedic or shock effect, was met with widespread backlash due to its timing and perceived insensitivity toward real-world tensions.
Viewable on TikTok, the ad continues by suggesting players should instead “take out the other stans,” referring to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and India—countries already embroiled in political instability. India and Pakistan themselves had recently resolved a flare-up in late April via a fragile ceasefire.
Context: Real-World Conflict Still Fresh
The controversy gains further gravity in light of recent geopolitical events. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced on June 24, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about airstrikes on suspected Iranian nuclear sites. Although some violations have been reported, the ceasefire has largely held—adding to concerns that the ad trivializes a still-volatile situation.
The implication that Iran is a “bad pick” in the game—out of 99 available countries—has been seen by many as reinforcing stereotypes and making light of a complex geopolitical crisis.
Critics Call Out Tone-Deaf Marketing
Reactions across social media have been harsh. Critics accuse the game’s publisher of “weaponizing global conflict for clicks,” with many calling for the ad to be taken down.
“This is more than edgy marketing. It’s irresponsibly stoking tensions for profit,” one Twitter user said.
Another added: “Mocking real nations during actual war-time negotiations is not strategy—it’s exploitation.”
While some defenders argue the game has always incorporated real-world strategy elements, others believe there is a clear distinction between gamifying scenarios and mocking suffering.
Rebranding and the Marketing Push
Supremacy: World War 3 only recently changed its name from Conflict of Nations, a move reportedly aimed at broadening its audience appeal. The aggressive TikTok campaign seems to be part of a wider rebranding strategy—but this ad may have done more harm than good.
As of now, the developers have not issued a public statement addressing the backlash.
In the age of viral content and quick monetization, it’s easy to forget the real-world impact behind fictional narratives. Supremacy: World War 3‘s ad has ignited a debate over how far strategy games—and their marketers—should go when referencing active global conflicts. The response so far suggests that many believe this time, the game crossed the line.