Why "No Mercy" Was Banned: A Closer Look at the Government's Decision

In early 2025, the adult visual novel game "No Mercy" became the center of a global controversy, leading to its removal from major digital platforms like Steam. The game, developed by Zerat Games, featured explicit content including incest and rape, which violated decency laws in several countries. In response to public outcry and legal concerns, governments in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia directed Valve to remove the game from Steam. The developers subsequently withdrew the game, stating, "We don't intend to fight the whole world, and specifically, we don't want to cause any problems for Steam and Valve" (source: Wikipedia).

Legal Framework in India

While "No Mercy" was removed from Steam, it is important to understand the legal context in India regarding such content. India does not have a dedicated statute specifically regulating video game content. However, existing laws such as Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution, which allows for restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in the interest of decency and morality, and Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with the sale and distribution of obscene material, can be applied to digital content (source: Mondaq).

Public and Institutional Response

"The game's content sparked widespread outrage among digital safety experts, parents, and advocacy groups. Organizations like The White Hatter expressed concern over the game's availability on Steam, a platform accessible to a broad audience, including minors. The game's portrayal of misogynistic themes and explicit content was deemed harmful and inappropriate for public consumption (source: Jast USA)."

Conclusion

The banning of "No Mercy" highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating digital content and the need for updated legislation to address the complexities of online gaming. While the game was removed from platforms in several countries, including India, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance and responsibility in the digital age to protect individuals, particularly minors, from harmful content.