A UK minister has criticized the gaming platform Steam for hosting a controversial game that promotes "non-consensual sexual contact" and sexual violence
Content Warning: This article discusses extreme sexual violence, which may be distressing for some readers.
Update, April 11, 2025: The company behind the controversial game "No Mercy," Zerat Games, has chosen to pull the title from Steam following its removal from online stores in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The developer acknowledged in a statement posted on the now inaccessible Steam page that while they stand by their game, they have opted to remove it to prevent complications for Steam and Valve.
"We don't intend to fight the whole world, and specifically, we don't want to cause any problems for Steam and Valve," commented the developer.
Subsequent to the game's ban from Steam in the UK as of April 10, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the efforts to introduce stronger online content standards via the Online Safety Act, emphasized in an interview with LBC.
"That sort of vile material is already currently illegal," Cooper clarified. She highlighted that expanded powers under the new act are being implemented, empowering authorities to handle such content more effectively.
Original story, April 9, 2025: The UK’s Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has strongly criticized Steam for listing a visual novel, developed by Zerat Games, which features non-consensual sexual acts, abuse, and incest. The game is labeled for "graphic sex and violence, mature language, nudity, and graphic [sex acts]," yet lacks comprehensive age-verification beyond an 18+ acknowledgment at the download page.
Kyle expressed to LBC the expectation that technology companies should swiftly excise offensive content, in compliance with laws and ethical obligations inherent to their operational presence in the UK.
Kyle proposed action by Ofcom to facilitate the game’s removal, though Ofcom stated they do not handle individual complaints directly.
The Game Ratings Authority, responsible for PEGI designation within the UK, clarified that while games on Steam may voluntarily seek a PEGI rating, it is not a procedural requirement before release. The authority had not rated "No Mercy" nor received requests to do so.
LBC had alerted Steam about the title five days prior, yet "No Mercy" was still accessible on the platform then.
Dr. Marie-Claire Isaaman, leading Women in Games, made a public statement to GamesIndustry.biz voicing severe disapproval over the presence of "No Mercy" on Steam. Isaaman stressed that such content contradicts industry and community values and advocated for stronger content oversight and an uncompromising stance against misogynistic themes.
"This is exactly why Women in Games exists," Isaaman stated. "Our mission is to challenge these harmful biases and systemic barriers to promote a more inclusive gaming culture."
Women in Games has urged Valve to act decisively in removing the game and strengthening content policies across its platform. A response from Valve is awaited for further updates.