The psychological horror game Vile: Exhumed is now available as a free download, following its removal from Steam. This ban, affecting numerous other titles, was enacted due to a new policy targeting games with “certain kinds of adult-only content.” Developed by solo artist Cara Cadaver and published by DreadXP, the game is being offered for free, with half of all donations directed towards a charitable cause.
Vile: Exhumed tasks players with uncovering a story that delves into the horrors of parasocial relationships, entitlement, and misogyny in the digital age. This narrative unfolds as players explore hidden files on an obsolete computer. According to Cadaver and DreadXP, the game masterfully blends full-motion video (FMV) with practical effects to craft visuals that are as unsettling as its core themes. Cadaver specifically clarified that despite the intense imagery, the game contains no uncensored nudity, explicit sex acts, or pornography of any kind.
In a move reflecting a deep commitment to the sensitive topics explored, both Cadaver and DreadXP are dedicating a portion of their profits to charity. DreadXP has committed to donating its entire share of the profits. Cadaver will contribute a segment of her proceeds, cumulatively resulting in 50% of the total profits going to charity. These funds are designated for the Red Door Family Shelter, a Toronto-based organization focused on aiding families, refugees, and women who are escaping violence.
The Steam bans commenced in mid-July when the platform updated its policies. The new condition stated that “Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors and related card networks and banks, or internet network providers” would no longer be permitted. Specifically, the new guidelines targeted “certain kinds of adult-only content.” The indie game storefront Itch.io adopted a similar stance days later, though they offered a more extensive and transparent statement than Steam. Since these policy changes, developers and publishers have been exploring various avenues to challenge this increasing censorship. For instance, the storefront GOG.com organized a giveaway of NSFW games, explicitly aiming to raise awareness about censorship within the gaming industry.