GOG's managing director Maciej Gołębiewski has acknowledged the unresolved fallout from the company's controversial decision to remove the Taiwanese horror game Devotion from its digital storefront over five years ago. In a recent interview, he reflected on the negative impact this move had on customer trust. Originally released in early 2019 but pulled from sale following objections regarding its portrayal of China's president, the game has since faced ongoing scrutiny as GOG navigates its identity separate from CD Projekt. Gołębiewski emphasized the company's commitment to better communication and transparency moving forward, while also recognizing that past decisions came at the cost of credibility.

What happened with the game Devotion that led to its removal from GOG?

Devotion was removed from GOG after it was criticized for including references to China's president, which upset many, causing significant backlash. Initially set for sale, GOG reversed its decision one day later, stating a limited understanding of the geopolitical implications influenced their move. This incident severely impacted the trust that users had in the platform, prompting GOG to reassess its values and its handling of sensitive content.

Devotion is a critically acclaimed horror game developed by Taiwanese studio Red Candle Games. Set in the 1980s, it intricately blends traditional Taiwanese culture with supernatural horror, creating a unique gaming experience. The controversy surrounding Devotion not only led to its removal from various platforms, including Steam, but also resulted in significant repercussions for its developer, illustrating the challenges independent studios face in the global market.