GOG, the renowned distribution platform, is taking a stand against what it describes as unjust pressures from moralistic lobbyists and certain credit card companies regarding adult-themed games. In response to recent delistings of such titles from various storefronts, including Steam, GOG is promoting a campaign dubbed FreedomToBuy.games, which features free downloads of popular NSFW games like HuniePop and House Party for a limited period of 48 hours.
This initiative is backed by several game publishers and aims to highlight the significant challenges faced by developers whose works, though legal and consensual, have been removed due to external pressures. GOG’s statement emphasizes, “Some games vanish. Not because they broke the law, but because someone decided they shouldn’t exist.” This sentiment echoes concerns voiced by organizations like the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), which has noted that many developers, particularly from marginalized communities, suffer from these abrupt removals.
In support of creative freedom, GOG is positioning itself as an advocate for the preservation of gaming history, asserting that responsible and legal games should be accessible both now and in the future. GOG believes this erasure of creative works from digital platforms poses a significant threat to the diversity of gaming content.
In a related development, Itch has also decided to reintroduce free adult content to its platform after initially removing such materials. This broader trend reflects a growing unease among developers regarding the balance between market regulations and creative expression.
Interestingly, Mastercard has responded to claims regarding the censorship of games, stating that it has not imposed any restrictions on gaming creators contrary to recent allegations.
GOG’s commitment to offer a permanent home for these games is made clear in their statement: “When games are delisted today because of discomfort, reviving them tomorrow becomes exponentially harder,” highlighting the importance of safeguarding access to creative works. Once users download a game from GOG, they retain lifelong access, ensuring these titles cannot be taken away.
Notably, the discourse surrounding censorship in gaming extends beyond GOG, with figures like Nier creator Yoko Taro emphasizing the implications of such actions on free speech. GOG’s efforts, therefore, not only aim to support affected developers but also to uphold the values of creative freedom and expression in the gaming industry.