GOG Admits Regret Over 2020 Pulling of Taiwanese Game Devotion
In 2019, Taiwanese horror game Devotion was released but faced controversy leading to its removal from sale. The issue stemmed from references to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Winnie the Pooh, which sparked backlash. Although there was hope for its return in late 2020, the game was ultimately pulled from GOG’s digital platform on the same day it was meant to be relaunched.
GOG’s Reflection on the Decision
Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, shared insights on this decision years later. He highlighted the business constraints faced at the time and noted a limited understanding of the geopolitical environment. Gołębiewski stated, “We acknowledge that this decision—and the way we communicated it—damaged the trust our users have in us.”
Geopolitical Factors Influencing Decisions
The complexities of operating within a global digital marketplace often clash with ideal outcomes. Gołębiewski explained that the choice made in 2020, though aimed at protecting GOG, came at the cost of credibility. According to him, managing a global storefront involves navigating various legal and commercial realities.
Contrast with Other Titles
In comparison to Devotion, the game Horses was permitted for sale on GOG despite also being controversial. Gołębiewski clarified that its availability posed no legal or operational risks for the company. He maintained that their assessment of Horses was straightforward and unrelated to the political climate.
Gaming Community Reaction
At the time of Devotion’s withdrawal, GOG stated they were responding to numerous messages from the gaming community. The rationale presented suggested pressure from gamers rather than a deep-rooted understanding of the political implications involved. This has left some uncertainty regarding the authenticity of their reasons for not listing the game.
Moving Forward
Though five years have passed since its initial release and subsequent removal, the reflection on Devotion sheds light on the challenges digital storefronts face in curating content. Better communication and a deeper engagement with community concerns may help restore trust moving forward.
