Google has taken down Doki Doki Literature Club from its Play Store, citing a breach of its terms of service. The removal, which occurred yesterday, was addressed in a joint statement from Serenity Forge, the publisher of the 2021 re-release of the popular visual novel, and creator Dan Salvato. According to the statement, Google attributed the action to the game's "depiction of sensitive themes." They noted that the game continues to be available for purchase on other platforms, such as iOS, Nintendo Switch, and the PlayStation Store.
In their message, Salvato and the Serenity Forge team expressed pride in DDLC's impact, stating, "DDLC is widely celebrated for portraying mental health in a way that meaningfully connects deeply with players around the world, helping them feel heard, understood, and less alone on their journey." Salvato added, "Managing to achieve that – making a truly meaningful difference by using the power of fiction to connect to others – is what I’m most grateful for. It inspires me every day to keep making cool new things, things that can really reach others, especially those in need of connection."
A tweet with the full statement regarding the removal is available. Note: Spoilers for Doki Doki Literature Club are discussed in related content.
