Google removes from Play Store one of the most praised games for its focus on mental health issues, considering it "harmful"

Google has removed Doki Doki Literature Club from its Google Play Store due to alleged violations of its Terms of Service, particularly regarding policies on inappropriate content. This visual novel game was a phenomenon since its release in 2017, gaining prestige for its focus on mental health themes. On the Steam platform, it has accumulated over 126,000 ‘overwhelmingly positive’ reviews, reflecting its lasting impact among players.

Censorship is becoming increasingly prominent among platforms

The creator of the game, Dan Salvato, along with the publisher Serenity Forge, expressed their gratitude for the emotional connection that Doki Doki Literature Club has created with users and stated their desire to reinstall it on the Google Play Store. Through a joint statement, both highlighted the importance of the game in representing mental health, helping players feel heard and understood.

Despite the fact that the work addresses delicate themes such as depression and suicide, its creator argues that it does not promote these behaviors. However, Google’s policies prohibit applications that may encourage self-harm or suicide. This has led to the detection of possible confusions regarding the content of the game, which, although it addresses these themes responsibly, may not align with the platform’s guidelines.

It is relevant to mention that, despite its removal from the Google Play Store, Doki Doki Literature Club is still available on other platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. The team behind the game is exploring “alternative distribution methods” for Android devices and is constantly working to find a way for the title to be reinstated in the app store.

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