Upcoming vampire RPG Nighthawks has been removed from Steam search and delisted in certain countries as Valve classifies it Adults Only: 'It's very bad news for
Valve’s Adults Only label has removed vampire RPG Nighthawks from Steam search and delisted it in countries like Germany, despite developer claims of mild content.
Valve has classified the upcoming vampire RPG Nighthawks as Adults Only, prompting its removal from Steam search results and delisting in certain countries such as Germany. Publisher Wadjet Eye Games disputes the classification, asserting the game’s depictions of sex and nudity are minimal and comedic in tone. Developer Richard Cobbett described the content as mild, including brief suggestive scenes that fade to black, comparable to HBO’s standards. The label restricts visibility and access, requiring age verification and content setting adjustments for visibility in Steam’s storefront.
Wadjet Eye Games’ Dave Gilbert criticized Valve’s decision, stating the company treats Nighthawks as if it were a pornographic title despite its restrained content. Cobbett emphasized the game’s mature themes but noted the Adults Only label contradicts the actual portrayal of relationships and nudity. The label also risks outright delisting in key markets like Germany, complicating the game’s planned September 22 launch. Valve’s opaque content policies have drawn criticism from developers facing similar rulings.
Nighthawks is not the first game affected by Valve’s stricter adult content policies, as seen with Future? No Thanks!, which faced a prolonged review process over untextured polygons. Valve’s rules require developers to self-assess mature content without clear guidelines, creating uncertainty in compliance. The company’s policies also prohibit content that may conflict with payment processors’ standards, further complicating age-gating decisions for developers.
Cobbett expressed hope Valve will reverse the Adults Only classification, noting the decision contradicts the game’s actual content, which he compared to titles like Dragon Age. The game’s launch remains scheduled for September 22, pending Valve’s response to developer appeals. PC Gamer has sought comment from Valve regarding the classification and its impact on Nighthawks’ availability.