Released in September 2017, Doki Doki Literature Club! is not suitable for all audiences. Despite its colorful appearance and cheerful girls, it is actually a psychological horror game that deals with very difficult themes.
This visual novel remains highly popular, however, and was released on both iOS and Android in December 2025. Available for free on the App Store and Google Play, Team Salvato’s title was ultimately removed by Google.
A statement released by the publisher and developer explained this decision.
“Yesterday, Google chose to remove Doki Doki Literature Club from the Google Play Store. Their explanation is that the game’s content violates their Terms of Service in its depiction of sensitive themes.
DDLC is widely celebrated for portraying mental health in a way that meaningfully connects deeply with players around the world, helping them feel heard, unterstood, and less alone on their journey. Managing to achieve that – making a truly meaningful difference by using the power of fiction to connect to others – is what I’m most grateful for. It inspires me every day to keep making cool new things, things that can really reach others, especially those in need of connection.
Salvato said that his team will do whatever it takes to try to get Doki Doki Literature Club! back on the Google Play Store. In addition, they are exploring “alternate methods of distribution on Android devices”.
