"Valve is under the impression that this game is way sexier": Nighthawks devs claim vampire RPG has erroneously been slapped with Steam adult content label
Valve’s adult content label on vampire RPG Nighthawks has been removed after developer intervention, allowing its September 22 release without restrictions.
Valve initially classified the vampire RPG Nighthawks as adult-only content, restricting its visibility on Steam and banning it in certain countries. Developers Richard Cobbett and Wadjet Eye Games disputed the classification, arguing the game’s content did not warrant such a label. The developers described the game’s mature elements as limited to suggestive imagery and implied romantic scenes rather than explicit content. The label’s removal follows a pattern of Valve’s controversial adult content rulings affecting other games, including Future? No Thanks!
Wadjet Eye’s Dave Gilbert confirmed on Bluesky that the adult-only label had been lifted, enabling the game’s launch on September 22 without restrictions. Gilbert expressed relief and thanked supporters for their assistance in resolving the issue. He previously described Valve’s perception of the game’s content as exaggerated, comparing it to a pornographic title. The developers had sought to clarify the game’s actual mature content, which they described as mild and contextual.
Nighthawks developer Richard Cobbett told PC Gamer that the specific trigger for the adult label remained unclear, prompting direct outreach to Valve. Cobbett emphasized that the game’s mature elements were restrained, featuring suggestive scenes that fade to black rather than explicit depictions. He described the content as tasteful and within typical RPG boundaries, including companion romances with limited visuals. The developers hoped Valve would swiftly reconsider the classification to avoid launch complications.
The vampire RPG Nighthawks, in development since 2018, is now set for release on September 22 following the removal of the adult content label. The game’s developers had contested the label, arguing it misrepresented the game’s actual content. Valve’s decision to reverse the classification aligns with past cases, such as the satirical game Future? No Thanks!, which faced similar scrutiny last month. The resolution ensures the game will be accessible on Steam without restrictions or regional bans.