Free adult games offered by GOG are less acts of generosity, but rather a form of protest against hidden forms of censorship in the gaming industry.
GOG Launches FreedomToBuy Campaign to Challenge Digital Censorship
In a bold move, GOG, a popular digital distribution platform for video games, has launched a campaign called FreedomToBuy to challenge censorship on digital platforms. The campaign, which involves giving away a bundle of legally available games containing adult or provocative content, aims to highlight the increasing influence of payment companies in deciding what games can be sold or accessed[1][2][3][4].
The bundle includes games like "Being a DIK" and "Postal 2," as well as visual novels and erotic simulators, which have been recently deplatformed or censored due to pressure from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard[1][2]. This decision has led to a wave of outrage among players and creators, as it raises concerns about unsanctioned censorship and the potential for future targeting of political, social, or cultural content[1][3].
GOG's campaign is a serious step towards open dialogue about digital rights. It underscores the importance of freedom in the digital world and emphasizes the need to resist arbitrary removals of games that have not broken laws but are removed because some entities have deemed them unacceptable[1][3][4]. The campaign serves as a reminder that any content, not just adult or provocative content, could be targeted in the future due to decisions made by financial intermediaries[1].
The campaign's significance lies in its broad defense against censorship. While many of the free titles contain NSFW (Not Safe For Work) elements, the core message is about resisting arbitrary removals of games that have not broken laws but are removed because some entities have deemed them unacceptable[1][3][4]. By giving away these games, GOG is not just providing free content but making a statement about the potential censorship of content[1].
The campaign quickly gained traction, with over a million game claims within 24 hours, signaling strong community support against censorship dictated by external payment processors rather than platform policies or legal rulings[1]. Prominent figures in the industry, such as NieR: Automata's director Yoko Taro and the IGDA, have echoed concerns about this growing censorship trend[1].
GOG’s approach also underscores their commitment to DRM-free games, ensuring users permanently own the games they download, which contrasts with some platforms where censored games might vanish entirely[1][4]. The campaign serves as a reminder that players and developers have a significant role in shaping the digital world.
However, it's important to note that Russian users cannot participate in GOG's campaign due to regional restrictions or licensing issues[1]. Despite this, the rise of censorship, control, and dependence on financial intermediaries serves as a reminder that players and developers are full participants in the digital ecosystem.
In conclusion, GOG’s FreedomToBuy campaign is a protest against increasing censorship on digital platforms, especially concerning adult or provocative content, but really targeting the broader issue of gatekeeping by payment processors that undermines developers’ rights and players’ freedom to access legal games[1][2][3][4].
[1] The Verge
[2] PC Gamer
[3] Kotaku
[4] Polygon
- What about technology's role in shaping this conflict between digital rights and censorship?
- The FreedomToBuy campaign by GOG is a bold application of technology to challenge digital censorship and fight for greater player freedoms.
