Gaming News: Oxenfree’s Sudden Removal from itch.io Raises Eyebrows

As a long-time gamer with a soft spot for indie games like Oxenfree, I can’t help but feel a pang of dismay upon hearing about its impending removal from itch.io. It’s not just the game itself that leaves a lasting impression, but also the stories and experiences it weaves that make us feel connected to the gaming community.


News about gaming has arisen, focusing on a recent update concerning the popular indie game Oxenfree. A Reddit post from user ImageDehoster disclosed that Night School Studio, the creators of the game, informed existing users that Oxenfree would be taken down from itch.io as of October 1, 2024. The message made clear that those who have already downloaded the game can continue playing, but newcomers will no longer have access once the deadline arrives. This unexpected announcement has left many in the gaming community puzzled, particularly due to the short notice before the removal. The post sparked a flurry of comments, displaying a range of feelings from bewilderment and worry to open anger, as gamers grappled with the prospect of losing access to their purchased content. The main issue revolves around the perceived unfairness of this action and its potential impact on digital ownership. One commentator expressed dismay that such a decision would be made since it ‘would cost Netflix and Night School Studio nothing’ to keep the downloads available. The criticism didn’t cease; users questioned whether the game would also disappear from other platforms like GoG, pointing out inconsistencies in how digital ownership is managed across different marketplaces. Some commentators suggested that this removal could be linked to Oxenfree being part of the Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. As frustration mounted, some users pledged to reconsider their purchases on itch.io, justifying their stance with personal experiences about how Steam typically handles removals in a more user-friendly manner. In essence, the dialogue reflects an ongoing unease within the gaming community regarding digital rights, ownership, and the relationship between indie developers and larger corporations.

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2024-09-09 22:28