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Japanese Developer Vows To Continue Adult Game Production Amid Censorship
Navigating the Adult Game Landscape
In the current climate, creators of adult games find themselves at a crossroads. Payment processing giants like Visa and Mastercard are flexing their influence, pressuring platforms like Steam and Itch.io to remove adult-themed content. This conflict isn't new to Japan, where similar tactics have been at play for years, spotlighted by Japanese politician Zenko Kurishita.
Among those affected is Nitroplus, a developer renowned for its 'eroge' visual novels. Nitroplus, which has a legacy in both erotic and non-erotic visual storytelling, created a spin-off brand, Nitro Origin, to focus solely on adult content. Their efforts include the Nitro+Chirai series, designed for a female audience with boys-love themes.
Standing Firm Against Censorship
In a candid chat with 4Gamer, translated by Automaton, Nitroplus writer Vio Shimokura expressed his determination to continue developing adult games despite censorship challenges: "Even at Nitro Origin, we haven't been able to release many adult games lately," he noted, emphasizing the brand's roots in adult game development. For Shimokura, maintaining this identity is crucial, saying, "I'd like to keep creating opportunities to make adult games in ways that fit the times."
Shimokura revealed that Nitroplus is contemplating using its main brand to publish visual novels. "But 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 asserted.
Changing Platforms and Policies
Steam's evolving policies reflect this ongoing struggle, as its latest terms now prohibit adding not-safe-for-work content post-launch. This shift disrupts a common tactic among adult game developers: releasing a 'safe for work' version first, followed by a patch adding explicit content. Now, under pressure from payment processors, Steam must scrutinize these releases more closely.
As developers navigate these hurdles, the future of adult games relies on creators like Nitroplus who remain committed to their artistic vision, even in the face of cultural and commercial obstacles. The landscape may be changing, but the passion for crafting adult content continues undeterred.
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Author: Cole
