toxicTom: Thanks!
Key quote:
Like many PC gaming firms, GOG operates in a grey area in China. The company’s service is available in simplified Chinese, and to users without a VPN. But the Chinese government technically requires games to be licensed for sale in the country – a process strictly controlled by the National Radio and Television Administration and Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Larger games companies such as Activision Blizzard have sidestepped the requirement by partnering with Chinese firms to release their games on the mainland, while smaller storefronts like GOG have mostly been content to fly below the radar – something with the release of Devotion may have threatened.
toxicTom: That is the explanation, GOG doesn't want to draw any attention to themselves from the Chinese watchdogs.
In that situation it was really stupid to consider selling this game, and even announce it.
That's like breaking and entering in bright red clothes and with a large bell around your neck.
Maybe we misinterpreted everything and there were real, and well-meaning gamers from China messaging GOG to warn them that they're about to be stepping in deep shit and draw the attention of the watchdogs...
"After receiving many messages from gamers, we have decided not to list the game in our store." - we don't know what those messages were, we just assumed it was angry Pooh-fans... Could also have been Chinese GOG customer who are afraid of losing access to their accounts if GOG put themselves in the spotlight of Chinese authorities.
But of course it can also have been threats: Remove the game, or we'll come check your license... or both.
I don't know what this "gamers" are, or even if they exist BUT to me GOG and other western business shouldn't even bother with China market if they have to walk on eggshells like this all the time.
I really don't get this obsession with China. Yes they have many people but in the end you can still have a healthy business without them and if you are just constantly trying to walk on eggshells to not get on their attention or bad side then at some point they will probably ban you anyway so it is wasted effort.
Honestly shame on GOG. It really diminishes my excitement on buying games from here.
Maybe they should ban Cyberpunk as well since many gamers are annoyed by it as well. Seriously what a cheap excuse. In the end if some "gamers" feel annoyed by a games humor they are free not to buy it or support that game. But complaining to the platforms like crazy Karens to ban the game and the platforms actually submitting is just sad.
