# The Japanese Horror Visual Novel: This Game Is Not Real
The independent gaming sector has experienced a surge of ingenuity in recent times, with fresh titles presenting distinctive adventures that stretch the limits of conventional gaming. One such entry is *This Game Is Not Real*, crafted and circulated by a small indie collective named Viv. Originally intended for a Steam launch this month, the game has captured substantial interest, racking up a remarkable 24,000 wishlists on the platform since its shop page debut in August 2025. However, the developers recently communicated that the game will no longer make its way to Steam following Valve’s choice to reject its addition based on “not meeting platform criteria.”
## Developer Announcement and Platform Change
On May 13, developer Bibu disclosed the disappointing update concerning the game’s change in release platform. Referencing unspecified challenges with Steam, they confirmed that *This Game Is Not Real* would be transitioning to alternative platforms DLsite and BOOTH for its launch, stating, “We had intended to debut on Steam, but given that it does not fulfill the distribution criteria, we will alter the platform.”
The announcement was communicated via social media and was also featured on the gaming news site *Automaton*. In a subsequent message, Bibu playfully indicated that the game’s perceived “cuteness” could have influenced its dismissal, humorously suggesting that if their artwork was considered “too cute” for Steam, then perhaps the platform and the game were never destined to align.
## Themes and Content Considerations
Despite the humorous tone of some developer remarks, a deeper look at *This Game Is Not Real* uncovers themes that might have led to its denial from Steam. The game delves into darker psychological horror aspects and encompasses a range of serious subjects, including drug use, self-harm, murder, and non-consensual sexual metaphors. On the newly launched DLsite store page, a notice regarding “radical expression” has been appended, detailing the potential unease some might feel while engaging with its content.
In recent years, Steam has tightened its guidelines concerning adult content, resulting in the removal of multiple titles and the rejection of others that do not align with their shifting standards. A prominent instance of this crackdown was the banning of the horror game *Horses*, which was denied release due to worries about its portrayal of sexual content. Such enforcement measures underscore a significant hurdle for indie developers crafting games with mature themes, particularly those aiming to convey something artistically intricate or socially pertinent.
## Conclusion
*This Game Is Not Real* signifies an emerging trend where indie titles aspire to investigate the more profound facets of human emotion through the horror genre. Despite the obstacles presented by content moderation standards on platforms like Steam, creators such as Viv persist in adapting and seeking alternative pathways for showcasing their work. DLsite and BOOTH might provide a fitting environment for *This Game Is Not Real*, one that upholds its intended expression, ensuring that audiences can immerse themselves in its narrative intricacies. While the journey has taken an unforeseen direction, the tenacity of creators within the indie sector is a tribute to their dedication to expanding the horizons of traditional storytelling in video games. As fans anticipate the game’s arrival on these new platforms, it remains to be seen how the wider gaming community will react to this unconventional horror experience.
