A queer visual novel developer received a message from Valve after several games were removed from Steam’s Russian store page. Valve stated that Roskomnadzor had determined the games violated Russian distribution rules. Russia’s anti-queer legislation and the designation of queer activism as extremist create a restrictive environment for LGBTQ content. Valve’s response emphasized that the developer promised Steam under the Steam Distribution Agreement to ensure games comply with applicable laws. Valve said the developer must perform due diligence about where games are allowed to be distributed and must inform Steam of territories where distribution is not permitted. The message was perceived as condescending and as shifting responsibility onto the developer rather than challenging the regime’s laws.
"We also want to remind you that you promised Valve under the Steam Distribution Agreement that your games comply with all applicable laws. Therefore, it is your responsibility to do your due diligence regarding where your games are allowed to be distributed, and to inform us of any territory where they cannot be."
"Valve notified her that some of her games had been banned from the storefront in Russia after Roskomnadzor, the Russian federal agency in charge of censorship in the country, determined those projects to be in violation of the country's rules for distribution."
"It is kind of crazy that it basically tells developers that it's their job to comply with a hateful regime's anti-queer laws rather than challenge them with queer stories."
"What is surprising is that Valve's copy-pasted message on the situation is condescending and victim-blamey."
Read at Kotaku
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