Valve have blocked card game Flick Solitaire from the Russian version of Steam, after federal censorship body Roskomnadzor contacted the platform holder to order its removal for “promoting non-traditional sexualities”.
In a letter, Valve have also reproached developers Flick Games for failing “to do your due diligence regarding where your game is allowed to be distributed, and to inform us of any territory where it cannot be”. Flick Solitaire is still available in Russia via the iOS and Android storefronts, however, despite Roskomnadzor sending similar notes to Apple and Google. As of writing, Valve appear to be the only platform who have caved to Russian state requests to censor the game.
It’s unfortunate to see creative content being restricted due to external pressures. Art should be a platform for expression and diversity. Hopefully, there will be more open discussions around these important issues in the future.
freedom of expression, and it’s disheartening when politics interfere. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges artists face in various regions, especially when it comes to themes of identity and sexuality. It’s a reminder of the importance of supporting diverse voices in the gaming community.
importance of protecting artistic freedom globally. It’s concerning to see how such decisions can impact not just game developers, but also players who seek diverse narratives. This could lead to a chilling effect on creativity in regions with strict censorship.