Steam Under Fire for Hosting Controversial Game “No Mercy”
Popular gaming platform Steam is facing backlash over the controversial 3D visual novel, “No Mercy.” Released in March, the game sparked widespread outrage due to its themes of incest and sexual violence. Critics argue that the game features scenes where players coerce female characters, leading to condemnation from both gaming communities and government officials.
The presence of “No Mercy” on Steam drew particular criticism from UK politicians. Technology Minister Peter Kyle described the game as “deeply concerning” and urged platforms to remove such content swiftly. While “No Mercy” has reportedly been removed from Steam in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, its continued availability in other regions raises questions about Valve’s content policies.
Valve does not require games to be rated by organizations like ESRB or PEGI, allowing controversial titles like “No Mercy” to easily gain a foothold on the platform.
Developer Zerat Games announced the game’s removal but defended its content, claiming incest and sexual violence are “popular fetishes” and should be viewed within the context of a “game.” The studio stated, “This is a game, and even if people try to make it look like more, it will remain a game.”
A Change.org petition demanding the game’s removal garnered over 10,000 signatures, highlighting significant opposition. Many gamers argue that a major platform like Steam should not permit such content. Conversely, some players contend that adult content should be protected under freedom of expression.
The “No Mercy” crisis underscores the need for Steam to re-evaluate its content policies. The platform may need to adopt a more transparent and stringent policy to regain user trust in the wake of these controversies.