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PC gaming platform Steam has removed the card game “Flick Solitaire” from its Russian servers after the title was deemed to violate the country’s strict laws prohibiting LGBTQ+ “propaganda,” according to the game’s developer.
Valve Corporation, which owns and operates the Steam marketplace, blocked the game in Russia following apparent intervention from Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal censorship authority, which reportedly objected to the game for “promoting non-traditional sexualities.”
Flick Solitaire, developed by Flick Games, is a modern take on the classic card game that features custom card decks created by 63 different artists. Among these collaborators is Queer Chameleon, a well-known comic artist and human rights advocate whose artwork incorporates chameleons adorned with LGBTQ+ Pride flags. The game also includes other LGBTQ+-themed decks from artists such as Ego Rodriguez and Karin Hammarsten.
In a communication to the developers, Valve appeared to place responsibility on Flick Games, stating the studio failed to “do your due diligence regarding where your game is allowed to be distributed and to inform us of any territory where it cannot be.”
The removal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by game developers and digital storefronts navigating Russia’s increasingly restrictive content laws. Russia first implemented its so-called “gay propaganda” law in 2013, initially prohibiting LGBTQ+ representation in media targeted at minors. In 2022, the government significantly expanded these restrictions to cover all age groups, effectively banning positive or neutral depictions of LGBTQ+ identities across all media.
Individuals found in violation of these laws face substantial penalties, including fines of up to 400,000 rubles (approximately £3,860) and potential imprisonment.
Flick Games revealed that their Pride-themed card decks were specifically targeted by Russian authorities in October, resulting in the game’s removal from Steam “without prior notice or a chance for us to discuss it,” according to the company’s statement.
“We’re heartbroken for our Russian community (LGBTQ+ or otherwise), for our artists, and for players who lose access to the authentic diversity reflected in our game,” the developers said, taking a defiant stance against the censorship. “We don’t pick and choose between human beings – the place they were born, who they love, or how they identify. We support artists and players everywhere. Flick will keep being a platform for gorgeous, diverse art and people.”
This incident underscores a growing tension between global digital platforms and countries implementing content restrictions based on anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Major tech companies increasingly face difficult decisions about complying with local regulations that conflict with their stated values of diversity and inclusion.
The gaming industry has seen similar controversies in recent years, with multiple titles facing censorship or modification to comply with various regional restrictions. For Steam, which operates as the dominant PC gaming marketplace globally with over 120 million monthly active users, navigating these international regulatory environments while maintaining relationships with developers presents ongoing challenges.
Despite the Steam ban, Russian gamers can still access Flick Solitaire through mobile platforms, as the game remains available on both the iOS App Store and Google Play within Russia. The title continues to be accessible on Steam for PC and Mac users worldwide, with Russia now being the only exception.
Digital rights advocates have consistently criticized Russia’s propaganda laws as part of a broader pattern of LGBTQ+ rights restrictions in the country that has intensified in recent years under President Vladimir Putin’s administration.
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16 Comments
This is a concerning development for free expression and artistic freedom. Censorship of LGBTQ+ themes and content sets a dangerous precedent. Regardless of one’s personal views, all should have the right to create and access this type of content without government interference.
Agreed. Restricting access to queer-themed art and games is a worrying sign of rising intolerance. I hope the developers can find a way to distribute their work more widely.
It’s disheartening to see Russia censor a harmless card game simply for including LGBTQ+ artwork and themes. This type of censorship infringes on artistic freedom and the right of creators to express themselves. Regrettably, it’s part of a broader pattern of intolerance.
Agreed. Restricting access to queer-themed media is a worrying attack on diversity and inclusion. I hope the developers can find alternative ways to distribute their game and reach players who appreciate their creative vision.
Censoring a harmless card game for its LGBTQ+ content is a worrying escalation of Russia’s crackdown on queer visibility. Restricting access to artistic works that depict diverse sexualities and identities is an attack on free expression and cultural pluralism.
This is an alarming development that reflects the Russian government’s intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals and themes. I hope the developers can explore legal or technical options to challenge this censorship and restore access to their game.
This censorship of ‘Flick Solitaire’ by Russian authorities is a worrying development. Restricting access to a game simply for including LGBTQ+ artwork and themes is a concerning infringement on artistic freedom and the right to creative expression.
Agreed, this decision reflects the Russian government’s ongoing efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility and representation. I hope the developers can find ways to challenge this censorship and make their game more widely available, despite the oppressive policies.
The removal of ‘Flick Solitaire’ from Steam in Russia is a disappointing example of the government’s censorship of LGBTQ+ content. Restricting access to artistic works that depict queer themes is a violation of free expression and cultural diversity.
This decision by Russian authorities is deeply concerning. Censoring creative works simply for including LGBTQ+ representation is a troubling infringement on fundamental rights. I hope the developers can find ways to make their game available more widely.
The removal of ‘Flick Solitaire’ from Steam in Russia due to its LGBTQ+ content is deeply concerning. Censoring creative works that depict queer themes sets a dangerous precedent and infringes on fundamental rights like freedom of expression.
I agree, this decision is a troubling example of Russia’s continued intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals and their representation in media. Restricting access to artistic works with queer themes is an unacceptable violation of cultural diversity and freedom of speech.
The removal of ‘Flick Solitaire’ from Steam in Russia due to its LGBTQ+ content is a disturbing sign of the country’s intolerance. Restricting access to creative works with queer themes is a concerning attack on freedom of expression.
This decision reflects the Russian government’s continued efforts to marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals and censor their representation in media. I hope the developers can find ways to distribute their game more widely despite these repressive policies.
Russia’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ ‘propaganda’ is deeply troubling. Banning a simple card game with queer artwork shows the government’s determination to erase LGBTQ+ visibility and expression. This is a troubling attack on fundamental rights and freedoms.
This is an alarming overreach by Russian censors. Censoring artistic works simply for depicting LGBTQ+ themes is a grave violation of free speech. The developers should explore all options to challenge this decision and restore access to their game.