Steam removes controversial game "No Mercy" after massive criticism

A video game with misogynistic content caused global outrage at the beginning of 2025 - only after public pressure did the Steam platform react and take the game offline.

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Shocking content: „No Mercy“ causes worldwide outrage

With No Mercy the developer Zerat Games published a so-called "Adult Game" on Steam, which quickly became the centre of an international controversy. The reason: the game focuses on sexualised violence within a family - from the perspective of the perpetrator. Particularly controversial were statements in the official description such as „Do not take no for an answer“ or „Own every woman“. Critics accused the game of glorifying rape and incest.

Insufficient access restrictions

Although the game had an 18+ age rating, it remained available on Steam without any additional hurdles - on a platform that is also accessible to users aged 13 and over. The combination of extreme content and lack of access control caused international outrage.

Fast reactions from abroad

Several countries responded promptly: In the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, the No Mercy banned without further ado. It also disappeared from stores in Germany and Switzerland following public pressure. Organisations such as Collective Shout and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) accused Steam of failing to protect against sexualised violence and its depiction.
The British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the game as a „repulsive“ and called for stricter measures on the part of digital platforms to prevent such content before it even goes online.

Steam reacts - but late

Despite the extent of the criticism, it took several days before Steam No Mercy removed from the range worldwide. The company has not yet issued an official statement. Developer Zerat Games initially defended the game by referring to „artistic freedom“, but then also withdrew.

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A case with a signalling effect

The case raises urgent questions about the responsibility of platform operators: How could a game with such problematic content be published in the first place? And is an age rating sufficient if it is not underpinned by technical hurdles?

No Mercy is an impressive example of the need for clear, substantive testing procedures and binding standards - not only to protect young people, but also in terms of social responsibility.

 (Image source: Zerat Games)