Nighthawks, the highly anticipated vampire RPG from publisher Wadjet Eye Games, is facing unexpected challenges as it approaches its release later this month. The game has been classified as ‘Adults Only’ by Steam, leading to its removal from search results and delisting in specific regions, including Germany. This classification has raised eyebrows, particularly since both the developer and publisher assert that the game’s portrayals of sex and nudity are quite mild.
Publisher’s Response
In a recent post on Bluesky, Wadjet Eye’s CEO, Dave Gilbert, expressed his concerns regarding Steam’s decision. “We are aware that Steam has classified Nighthawks as an adult game and has excluded it from searches,” he stated. Gilbert emphasized that Valve seems to have misjudged the game’s content, suggesting that they are treating it as if it were a pornographic title. “Valve is basically treating Nighthawks like a porn game!” he remarked, highlighting the disconnect between the game’s actual content and its classification.
Impact on Launch
Richard Cobbett, the creator of Nighthawks and a contributor to PC Gamer, elaborated on the implications of the Adults Only label in a statement. He noted that this classification is detrimental to their launch strategy, particularly in key markets like Germany. “It’s very bad news for us, because it immediately makes the game persona non grata in several important countries,” Cobbett explained. He mentioned that the team is uncertain about what specifically triggered the classification but is actively seeking a resolution with Valve to lift the label.
Challenges with Steam’s Policies
The situation is further complicated by Valve’s intricate rules surrounding adult content. Developers are required to implement age gating for games with mature themes, yet the threshold for what constitutes adult content remains ambiguous, leaving developers to navigate these waters independently. Last year, Valve introduced additional regulations that restrict content deemed inappropriate by payment processors and internet service providers, adding another layer of complexity to the approval process.
Looking Ahead
Cobbett concluded with a hopeful outlook, asserting that if players are not shocked by titles like Dragon Age, they are unlikely to find Nighthawks offensive. “We’re hoping that Valve will quickly reverse the decision and approve the game so that everyone can get to be the vampire they deserve to be as planned next week,” he stated. As the launch date of September 22 approaches, the gaming community eagerly awaits further developments in this unfolding narrative.
PC Gamer has reached out to Valve for comment regarding the situation, as anticipation builds for Nighthawks’ debut.