Doki Doki Literature Club removed from Google Play over depiction of sensitive themes
Google has removed visual novel Doki Doki Literature Club from the Google Play Store, citing violations of its Terms of Service regarding the depiction of sensitive themes. The removal occurred on April 8, 2026.
Developer Dan Salvato and publisher Serenity Forge announced the action via Bluesky, stating they intend to fight the removal and explore alternative distribution methods for Android devices. In their joint statement, they emphasized that DDLC is “widely celebrated for portraying mental health in a way that meaningfully connects deeply with players around the world, helping them feel heard.”
Originally launched on PC in 2017, the psychological horror visual novel was later expanded to iOS, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation consoles in December 2025. The removal from Google Play represents a significant content moderation action against the title, which has developed a substantial global following since its initial release.