Co-creator of 'Counter-Strike' game arrested for sexual exploitation of child

The co-creator of popular online shooter Counter-Strike was arrested on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child.

According to Seattle affiliate KIRO 7, Jess Cliffe was arrested and booked, and is expected to have a bail hearing Friday afternoon.

King County jail records show Cliffe, 36, was booked at 1:17 a.m. local time Friday, on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child. No additional details have been released.

In a statement, Cliffe's employer, Valve Corporation, said he has been suspended.

"We are still learning details of what actually happened," reads Valve's statement. "Reports suggest he has been arrested for a felony offense. As such we have suspended his employment until we know more." 

Counter-Strike is considered among the most influential first-person shooters in video games. It's an objective-based game where one team must complete specific missions as the opposing team tries to stop them.

The franchise is also considered a key player in the popular esports market, with several third-party organizations including ESL hosting competitive gaming tournaments featuring Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.