A controversial 3D visual novel, “No Mercy,” featuring non-consensual sex and incest, is set to be removed from Steam following widespread criticism and a public outcry over its content.
“No Mercy” was released on Steam on March 22 and quickly garnered attention for its graphic and disturbing themes. The game’s plot revolves around a player discovering their mother’s infidelity and subsequently being prompted to engage in sexual acts with her and other women using forceful means. The game’s description on Steam explicitly states its focus on incest and male domination, with scenes that involve the player character forcing women, including their own mother, into sexual acts.
The game’s presence on Steam sparked an online backlash, with many expressing outrage over Valve’s decision to host the game. An online petition on Change.org demanding the game’s removal garnered over 10,000 signatures, highlighting the growing public discontent.
The controversy surrounding “No Mercy” escalated when UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle publicly criticized Valve for allowing the game to be sold on Steam. In comments made on British talk radio station LBC on April 9, Kyle described the game as “deeply worrying” and emphasized that tech companies are expected to remove such content promptly upon being notified. Kyle’s statement referenced the Online Safety Act, underscoring the legal and regulatory pressure on platforms to police their content.
Following Kyle’s statement, Valve removed “No Mercy” from Steam in the UK, Australia, and Canada. This move was seen as a direct response to the mounting pressure and regulatory scrutiny.
On April 10, Zerat Games, the developers behind “No Mercy,” released a statement on Steam addressing the controversy. While announcing their decision to remove the game from the platform, the developers defended “No Mercy” as catering to popular sexual “kinks.” They acknowledged that the game’s themes, including incest and non-consensual sex, might be considered disgusting by many but argued that individuals should be free to explore their desires in a consensual and harm-free environment. Zerat Games stated, “I fully understand that for many people such things may be disgusting, but during sex, people should really do what they want, as long as they don’t harm anyone.” They further appealed for a more open attitude towards diverse human fetishes, emphasizing that their game, despite its controversial content, remains just a game.
As of April 11, “No Mercy” remained available for purchase on Steam, despite the developers’ announcement to remove it. The game’s “Adults Only” label and the requirement for a credit card for purchase were the primary measures in place to restrict access. Notably, “No Mercy” is not rated by the ESRB or PEGI, as Valve does not mandate such ratings for games sold on Steam. Players who have already purchased the game will still be able to download, install, and play it even after its removal from the platform.
