In an unexpected series of events, the all-ages visual novel The Expression: Amrilato will not be releasing on Steam. The revolutionary title which teaches readers the language of Esperanto through an emotional story is apparently too sexual. In short, Valve says that the game “sexualizes minors” without providing evidence. As a result, this leaves the entire MangaGamer staff scratching their heads as they have no idea where the problem lies. Furthermore, the issue becomes even more questionable considering the title has the approval of National Esperanto Association in Japan. The publishers continue to search for a solution as they look towards adding the game on more storefronts. For clarification, the title is still available on MangaGamer and GoG.
In a press release, MangaGamer PR Director, John Pickett, spoke about the problematic situation:
Valve’s claim that this title ‘sexualizes minors’ is quite frankly absurd and discriminatory. The Expression: Amrilato is an educational title and it has no sexual content. Period.
While we sincerely hope this isn’t the case, the only conclusion we can draw from the feedback we’ve been provided with is that Valve now considers chaste romance between two women inherently ‘sexual’ and thus inappropriate for all audiences outside an adult context. Despite our many attempts to reach out to them for clarity on their “anything that isn’t illegal or trolling” policy––neither of which apply to this title––Valve has resoundingly refused to provide any, so all we can do is express our concern over what this could mean for freedom of expression and the LGBT gaming community.
The situation becomes even more mind-boggling when you notice that MangaGamer’s previous and similar releases are still on Steam. This includes Lilycle Rainbow Stage!!! and Kindred Spirits on the Roof. We at Operation Rainfall stand with MangaGamer and hope for a quick resolution.
