An indie horror title, Vile: Exhumed, has been banned from Steam after Valve flagged it for 'sexual content involving depictions of real people'. The full-motion video (FMV) game, developed by Cara Cadaver and published by DreadXP, was removed from the platform in late July 2025. In response, the developer has released the game for free online, allowing players worldwide to download it without charge.
Steam Ban Over Alleged Sexual Content
According to reports, Vile: Exhumed violated content guidelines that prohibit sexual content featuring real people. The ban notice did not provide specific examples of the alleged violation. Developer Cara Cadaver has publicly denied that the game contains any explicit nudity or pornographic scenes, stating that the content is in line with horror storytelling conventions.
'I want to be clear, VILE Exhumed was not banned for its use of gore in storytelling, or the violent themes', wrote Cara Cadaver, developer of the game. 'It was banned for "sexual content with depictions of real people", which, if you have played it, you know is all implied, making this all feel even worse'.
In a separate statement, Cadaver also clarified that the game contains 'no uncensored nudity, no depictions of sex acts, and no pornography whatsoever'.
The decision has drawn attention due to Valve's history of removing games under similar content rules, often sparking debate about how those policies are applied.
Engadget added that this case follows several high-profile removals where developers claimed that the decisions were based on subjective interpretations of sexual content policies.
Developer's Free Release in Protest
Following the ban, Cadaver and DreadXP launched Vile: Exhumed as a free download on a dedicated website, under a Creative Commons licence. The game is now shareware, meaning anyone can play it at no cost, with optional donations available.
In an official statement reported by PC Gamer, Cadaver said the move was intended as 'a response to being censored, and a rejection of the idea that horror can be defined as acceptable or not'. The publisher confirmed that 50% of any donations received will go to the Red Door Family Shelter, an organization that helps victims of domestic abuse.
The new distribution method bypasses Steam entirely, allowing players to access the game regardless of regional platform restrictions.
How to Download Vile: Exhumed for Free
Vile: Exhumed is currently available for free through its official website. Players can visit https://dreadxp.com/vile-is-banned/ to download the game directly without creating an account or making a purchase. Donations are optional and can be made via the site, with the proceeds split between the development team and charitable causes.
The version available for free is the complete game as originally intended, with no reported changes from the Steam edition. This ensures players experience the title as it was before its removal.
Community and Industry Reaction
The removal has sparked significant discussion within the gaming community. On social media platforms, many players expressed confusion over the ban, noting the absence of explicit scenes in gameplay footage. Others raised concerns about the consistency of Steam's content moderation.
Industry observers have pointed to similar cases where payment processor policies have indirectly shaped what is allowed on gaming platforms, potentially influencing moderation decisions.
Meanwhile, some developers have voiced support for Cadaver's approach, suggesting that alternative distribution methods can help protect creative works from platform gatekeeping. The case of Vile: Exhumed has quickly become a focal point in ongoing debates over censorship and artistic freedom in the games industry.
