Indie Horror Game Denied by Steam Launches Free as Censorship Protest
▼ Summary
– Vile: Exhumed, an indie horror game, launched as free donationware after being banned from Steam for “sexual content with depictions of real people,” though the developer claims it’s only implied.
– Steam removed the game’s page in July, citing pre-existing rules against real-person adult content, unrelated to recent payment processor issues affecting other adult games.
– Developer Cara Cadaver refused to censor the game, releasing it via vileisbanned.com under a Creative Commons license, with 50% of profits donated to Red Door Family Shelter.
– Valve confirmed the ban was due to pixelated photorealistic content involving implied sexual violence, which violated its policies, despite no explicit nudity or sex acts in the game.
– Cadaver framed the ban as censorship of artistic freedom, emphasizing the game’s release as a rejection of defining “acceptable” horror.
The indie horror game Vile: Exhumed has launched as a free download after being rejected by Steam, sparking debate over censorship and artistic freedom in gaming. Originally set for a July release, the game was removed from Valve’s platform due to alleged violations involving “sexual content with depictions of real people.” Developer Cara Cadaver disputes this claim, stating all content is implied rather than explicit, with no uncensored nudity or explicit scenes.
Steam’s decision aligns with its long-standing policy against adult content featuring real people, though recent pressure from payment processors may have influenced stricter enforcement. The controversy stems from a campaign by Australian anti-porn group Collective Shout, which led to the removal of numerous adult-themed games from Steam and Itch.io. Despite the setback, Cadaver refused to alter the game, opting instead to release it independently under a Creative Commons license, ensuring unrestricted access.
Now available at vileisbanned.com, the game can be downloaded and shared freely, with optional donations supporting its development. Half of all proceeds will go to Toronto’s Red Door Family Shelter, aiding families and survivors of violence. DreadXP, the game’s publisher, emphasized their commitment to resisting censorship, calling the free release a defiant statement against platform-based restrictions.
Valve later clarified that the ban was due to pre-existing rules against photorealistic depictions of real people in sexual contexts, unrelated to recent payment processor disputes. However, critics argue the decision reflects broader concerns about corporate control over creative expression. Cadaver framed the rejection as an attack on artistic freedom, urging players to experience the game regardless of its contested status.
In a note included with the download, the developer wrote, “This is our response to censorship, horror shouldn’t be defined by what others deem acceptable. However you got this game, I’m just glad you can play it.” The move highlights ongoing tensions between indie creators and platform gatekeepers, raising questions about who gets to decide what art is allowed in gaming.
(Source: PCGAMER)
