
In a world where digital storefronts like Steam are clamping down on NSFW content, one game developer refuses to back down. Vio Shimokura, a writer known for his work on visually striking and provocative visual novels, is taking a stand against the shifting tides of online content policy. While platforms are becoming more stringent, Shimokura remains committed to his craft.
Shimokura, who has penned titles like The Ugly Mojika Child, recently told Japanese news site 4Gamer that he plans to continue creating content that intrigues him. "Regardless of how things turn out, be it games or anime, I'll just create the things I find interesting, without overthinking things or paying mind to cultural considerations," he said. His bold statement comes amidst ongoing changes within the gaming industry's approach to adult content.
Even as moral scrutiny affects his work, Shimokura remains unfazed. At Nitro Origin, a subsidiary of the age-restricted game developer Nitroplus, he acknowledges the challenges faced in releasing adult games. Yet, he's determined to persist, telling 4Gamer, "I'd like to keep creating opportunities to make adult games in ways that fit the times."
“I'd like to keep creating opportunities to make adult games in ways that fit the times.”
Nitroplus is known for its uniquely bizarre visual novels, often blending horror with romance, and Shimokura's resolve underscores the ongoing tensions between creators and platform policies. Their 2019 novel The Song of Saya, co-written by Puella Magi Madoka Magica co-creator Urobuchi Gen, is just one example of their distinct storytelling style.
As Steam's PayPal support drops for all but six currencies, this shift is linked to increased pressure from financial institutions to remove NSFW games, adding another layer to the censorship debate. Still, Shimokura's unyielding commitment to his artistic vision illustrates a broader discussion within the gaming world about censorship, creativity, and the future of adult gaming content.