Steam has revoked the Adults Only classification for the narrative-driven vampire RPG Nighthawks. Dave Gilbert, founder of publisher Wadjet Eye Games, stated that although the controversy was unsettling, it inadvertently brought the game to the attention of more players.
Nighthawks was originally scheduled for release on September 22. A few days before launch, Steam categorized it as an adult game, causing it to disappear from many players' search results and leading to its complete removal in certain countries and regions. At the time, Wadjet Eye Games stated they were working to resolve the issue.
Gilbert said that Valve seemed to mistakenly believe the game contained far more erotic content than it actually does. Richard Cobbett, creator of Nighthawks, explained that the content potentially triggering the classification includes brief shots of buttocks and some censored sensitive areas, primarily appearing in companion romance scenes.
The Adults Only classification has now been lifted, bringing an end to the rating controversy surrounding the game's search visibility and removal in certain regions. This adjustment occurred before the scheduled release date, preventing further restrictions from affecting the new title's launch.
Gilbert later stated that, looking back on the entire incident, he views the outcome as a net positive, as more players are now aware of Nighthawks than ever before. While satisfied with the final result, he admitted he would prefer not to go through a similar experience again.
The Adults Only category on Steam for Nighthawks has now been removed, and the game is still scheduled for release on September 22.