Steam’s Content Filter Naps During Blue Archive Launch
Major payment processors, such as PayPal and Mastercard, have been heavily scrutinized recently for targeting platforms such as Steam and Itch.io. Furthermore, this criticism occurred amidst heightened sensitivity over content, creating a notable contrast. Against this backdrop, the divisive anime RPG Blue Archive had a relatively smooth launch on the platform last month. Given its popularity among players, why does the game seemingly bypass the contentious issues affecting other titles and platforms?
Valve Looked the Other Way. Cheerfully.
This success appears particularly striking, as Blue Archive, developed by Nexon Games, experienced a delay. However, it reportedly faced no censorship demands from Valve. Even with the censorship controversies swirling around the industry, the game’s arrival on Steam proceeded without issue. In a written interview with GamesRadar+, studio producer Gyeong Seop An addressed the game’s launch delay.
While apologizing to players for missing the initial release date, he explained the review process. Specifically, he stated that these issues remained confidential and that the primary challenge involved ensuring the Steam version matched the service level of the existing mobile game. As Seop An emphasized Nexus Games’ continuous communication with the gaming platform to resolve these hurdles quickly, he credited Valve’s support for its July 4th launch.
Additionally, Executive Producer Yongha Kim further clarified the situation regarding the game’s launch. Specifically, he stated that the delay had absolutely no connection to its content. Kim asserted that gaining Steam’s approval required no modifications or censorship. According to both producers, however, extensive communication with the platform was key to identifying and solving problems swiftly. They also expressed gratitude for the platform’s ongoing assistance throughout the process.
Blue Archive Talks Its Way Onto Steam
For several years, Blue Archive has operated successfully in the mobile gacha market. Consequently, the game cultivated a significant player base, as it possesses a reputation partly built on its inclusion of overtly sexy characters. Not only that, a large number of characters who are explicitly students or appear very young, adding more controversy. Despite the cast’s inclusion of diverse archetypes, youthful student characters are featured prominently.
Within a world of futuristic academies, players adopt the “Sensei” role. Notably, its gameplay mechanics also heavily emphasize the development of relationships with these students. Although the game carries content warnings, its Steam page explicitly notes suggestive imagery and dialogue potentially unsuitable for all ages. Even with its Mature rating on mobile platforms, how do players reconcile the game’s themes with its stated goal of positivity?
Fanbase First: Steam Success Defies Critics
Ultimately, its core gameplay involves deploying teams of cute chibi characters in tactical combat scenarios against waves of enemies and bosses. Yet, criticism continues to arise, particularly for its character designs and monetization. Still, the game enjoys fervent support from its dedicated fanbase, which is reflected in its overwhelmingly positive user reception on Steam.
Overall, the game boasts over 13,700 reviews and has an average of 92% positive shortly after launch. According to some top reviews, newcomers are advised to simply ignore certain fan elements and focus on the game itself. Pre-release for the game was also flooded with intense, often polarized rhetoric, echoing longstanding critiques of its character aesthetics on the game’s Steam forums.
Again, the two producers, Kim and Seop An, responded to this criticism by acknowledging diverse player interpretations. They also maintained that their core goal was always to create a positive, wholesome game celebrating warmth. That said, players who appreciate those specific qualities may resonate with Blue Archive, as that was the producers’ goal in its creation.
