Indie developer Wadjet Eye Games has narrowly avoided a potentially disastrous launch for its vampire RPG Nighthawks, after Valve erroneously slapped the game with an “Adults Only” label on Steam. The classification, which the developers insisted was a mistake, threatened to bury the game’s visibility just days before its release — until Valve finally reversed the decision.
What Happened to Nighthawks on Steam?
According to a report by Rock Paper Shotgun, the team behind Nighthawks discovered that Valve had flagged their vampire-themed RPG as adult-only content — a label typically reserved for games featuring explicit sexual material. The developers pushed back on the decision, with one memorable jab suggesting that “Valve is under the impression that this game is way sexier” than it actually is.
The mislabeling was no small issue. An Adults Only tag on Steam can severely limit a game’s discoverability, restrict it from certain promotional spaces, and scare off potential buyers who might assume the title contains explicit content it simply doesn’t have.
A Quick Introduction to Nighthawks
For the unfamiliar, Nighthawks is a narrative-driven vampire RPG from Wadjet Eye Games, the studio best known for acclaimed adventure titles like the Blackwell series and Unavowed. The game casts players as a newly turned vampire navigating a sprawling modern city filled with undead politics, supernatural factions, and morally murky choices. It’s written by Richard Cobbett, a veteran games journalist who has previously contributed features to Rock Paper Shotgun — a connection the outlet disclosed in its original reporting.
Valve Relents: The Adults Only Label Is Removed
The saga reached a happy ending when Wadjet Eye founder Dave Gilbert confirmed on Bluesky that Valve had removed the erroneous Adults Only designation, freeing the game from what fans affectionately dubbed “horny jail.”
“Everything is set for launch on the 22nd,” Gilbert wrote. “Phew. What a roller coaster. Thank you everyone for your amazing support while we got this sorted.”
The swift resolution was likely helped by an outpouring of community support, with fans and fellow developers amplifying the studio’s complaints in the days leading up to launch.
Why Steam’s Content Labels Matter So Much
This incident highlights an ongoing pain point for indie developers on Valve’s platform. Steam’s content review process has long been criticized for inconsistency, with smaller studios lacking the leverage of major publishers when disputes arise. An incorrect adult content label arriving just before launch — during the critical window when wishlists convert to sales — could have dealt a serious blow to a niche, story-focused RPG like Nighthawks.
While Valve does allow genuine adult content on Steam under proper labeling, the difference between an accurate rating and a wrong one can dramatically shape a game’s commercial fate. Thankfully, in this case, the system worked — even if it took a public push to get there.
Ready to Sink Your Teeth In?
With the label fiasco behind it, Nighthawks is now clear for its launch. If you’re planning to pick up the game or stock up on other vampire-themed RPGs, you can grab Steam Wallet gift cards and game codes at TURGAME.com — a quick and convenient way to top up your balance and support indie developers like Wadjet Eye Games.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun