Developer of ‘Spanking Exorcist’ game held up by Steam content moderation releases free ‘apology game’ where you spank him as punishment: ‘We would be delighted if you enjoy it’
A Japanese video game developer faced unexpected delays releasing their horror title 'Spanking Exorcist' after Steam's content moderation team flagged the game. In response, the developer created and released a free promotional game that invites players to virtually spank them as a tongue-in-cheek apology for the holdup.
The incident has drawn attention to broader concerns about Steam's moderation consistency, with observers noting that other adult-oriented and controversial games remain available on the platform. The developer's humorous response underscores frustrations within the gaming community over how platform moderators apply content rules unevenly across different titles.
In short
- Japanese developer's horror game 'Spanking Exorcist' delayed by Steam content moderation
- Released free 'apology game' where players spank the developer to protest the delay
- Incident highlights Steam's inconsistent approach to content moderation
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Advocates for the developer contend that Steam applies its content guidelines inconsistently, permitting many adult-oriented titles whilst delaying this particular game. They argue that consensual, humorous depictions of spanking within a horror-comedy context warrant no prohibition, and that platform gatekeeping of such content unduly restricts creative expression. The developer's playful apology game, they suggest, demonstrates the incident reflected bureaucratic excess rather than genuine concern about genuinely harmful material.
The case against
Those supporting Steam's cautious approach argue that platforms legitimately curate content within legal bounds to maintain community standards. They contend that what appears inconsistent may reflect legitimate contextual differences between individual games, and that prudent review of sexualised content is entirely reasonable. Steam's moderation, they argue, reflects a considered balance between inclusivity and maintaining certain community norms, even if specific judgment calls occasionally frustrate creators seeking maximum creative latitude.
Explained simply
Steam is a digital shop where people buy and download games, and its rules govern what can be sold on the platform. Developers submit games for review, and Steam may delay or refuse a release if moderators decide that it needs further checks or does not meet the rules.
The developer behind Spanking Exorcist made a separate free game in which players can spank a virtual version of the developer. The gesture drew attention to a wider debate among players and developers about how consistently Steam applies its content rules, particularly to games with adult or controversial themes.