Independent horror video game, initially turned down by Steam releases, goes free online: "This serves as our retaliation against censorship, and defiance of the notion that horror can be deemed acceptable or unacceptable"
In a move that has sparked controversy within the gaming community, the indie horror game VILE: Exhumed has been removed from Steam and is ineligible for resubmission. The decision was made due to claims by Steam that the game contains "sexual content with depictions of real people," a rule that the developer, Cara Cadaver, disputes.
Nature of the Game's Content
VILE: Exhumed is a psychological horror game that delves into themes of misogynistic violence, parasocial relationships, and sexual entitlement. The game is presented through text files and preserved BBS chatrooms on an old PC, and while it includes intense themes and some gore, it does not contain explicit sexual depictions.
Developer's Response
Cara Cadaver, the solo developer of VILE: Exhumed, has stated that the game only contains implied content and text-based commentary. The developer views the ban as a direct attack on creative expression and artistic freedom. In response, the game has been released as a free donationware game under a Creative Commons license, ensuring accessibility without relying on major storefronts that might impose similar restrictions.
Availability Post-Removal
VILE: Exhumed is now available for free download from the developer's site and itch.io, bypassing the limitations imposed by Steam's policies. This decision also serves as a form of protest against censorship in gaming and a means to maintain distribution outside traditional commercial platforms.
Other Notable Gaming Equipment
While the controversy surrounding VILE: Exhumed dominates headlines, it's worth noting that several pieces of top-tier gaming equipment have also been recognised. The Secretlab Magnus Pro XL stands out as the best gaming desk, the Secretlab Titan Evo is hailed as the best gaming chair, the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is considered the best gaming mouse, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is the best gaming headset, the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is the best gaming keyboard, the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is the best steering wheel, the Elgato Facecam MK.2 is the best webcam, and the Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone is the best microphone.
Background on the Developer
Andy Chalk, a writer for PC Gamer, has a history of gaming and writing about videogames since 2007. His coverage of the VILE: Exhumed situation has provided insightful analysis and commentary on the ongoing debate around content moderation on major digital platforms and the challenges faced by indie developers.
[1] Steam Removes Indie Game Over Adult Content [2] Vile: Exhumed Developer Responds to Steam Ban [3] Vile: Exhumed Moves to Itch.io After Steam Ban [4] Steam's Pornographic Content Policy and the Indie Game Ban [5] The Indie Game Ban on Steam: A Broader Purge or a Necessary Step?
[6] VILE: Exhumed's Removal from Steam Sparks Discussion on Artistic Freedom in Gaming[7] With the season of games ramping up, enthusiasts are turning to alternative platforms like itch.io to play the controversial indie game, VILE: Exhumed, which was removed from Steam due to claims of explicit adult content. [8] The game, a psychological horror exploration of societal issues, has sparked a lively game-centric debate on social media about artistic freedom and the role of moderation in entertainment.
