The psychological horror game Vile: Exhumed, which was previously banned from Steam due to its updated policy regarding “adults-only content,” is now available for free download. Indie developer Cara Cadaver and publisher DreadXP are offering the game, with a generous 50% of all donations being directed towards charity.
Vile: Exhumed immerses players in a narrative that delves into the detrimental aspects of parasocial relationships, feelings of entitlement, and misogyny prevalent in the digital age. This is achieved by having players investigate hidden files on an obsolete computer. The creators highlight that despite featuring intense visuals, the game explicitly contains no uncensored nudity, depictions of sex acts, or pornography, instead utilizing a combination of full-motion video (FMV) and practical effects to craft its unsettling imagery.
In alignment with their conscientious approach to these sensitive themes, both Cadaver and DreadXP are committing a portion of the proceeds to charitable causes. DreadXP has pledged to donate its entire share of the profits, while Cara Cadaver will contribute a portion of hers, collectively ensuring that 50% of total donations benefit a good cause. The chosen beneficiary is the Red Door Family Shelter, a Toronto-based charity dedicated to supporting families, refugees, and women who are escaping violence.
The controversy surrounding content bans began in mid-July when Steam revised its guidelines to prohibit content that “may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors.” Shortly after, the indie game storefront Itch.io followed suit with similar restrictions, though it provided a more comprehensive and transparent explanation than Steam. In light of these censorship efforts, developers and publishers are actively exploring various methods to counteract them. For instance, GOG.com initiated a giveaway of “adult” games as an initiative to raise public awareness about censorship in the gaming industry.