After authorizing the sale of 'Horses' on its platform, GOG.com has decided to reflect on its past—specifically the messy affair where it pulled the plug on the release of Detention. This move has prompted GOG.com to revisit the controversy and offer a rare moment of introspection regarding their previous decision to backtrack on the release of the game.

Detention, for the uninitiated, is a first-person horror title from Red Candle Games released back in 2019. It paints a haunting portrait of 1980s Taiwan, where faith and daily life are inextricably linked. However, the game hit a wall when certain elements were discovered, allegedly mocking Chinese President Xi Jinping. This revelation sent its reputation into a tailspin, leading to review bombing on Steam and the official YouTube channel, while local distributors faced severe repercussions. The game was subsequently pulled from Steam, and while GOG.com initially teased a comeback, it didn't quite go to plan.

Less than half a day after announcing the re-release, GOG.com faced a barrage of messages from users, leading the storefront to abruptly cancel the launch. This U-turn left gamers questioning the platform’s core principles. In an interview with Eurogamer, GOG.com managing director Maciej Gołębiowski admitted, "We acknowledge that this decision damaged the trust our community had in us."

Gołębiowski explained, "At the time, GOG.com was operating with limited awareness of the complex geopolitical realities and very real business constraints. We were backed into a corner with few options to protect both the platform and our partners while ensuring a responsible release."

He added, "Claiming we are prepared to stand by our values doesn't mean we are immune to mistakes. While transparency is vital, running a global platform often means navigating a minefield where ideal outcomes are rarely on the menu. We chose the path we believed was best for GOG.com at the time, even if it meant paying the price in lost trust."

GOG.com insists it is now striving for greater consistency, pointing to the recent listing of 'Horses' as proof. Gołębiowski noted, "Saying we are ready to take a stand doesn't mean the decisions are easy or that we won't face crossroads. It means we are striving to act clearly and consistently with every opportunity, and we are willing to take responsibility for our choices."

For context, GOG.com was acquired in full last December by CD Projekt co-founder Michał Kiciński, signalling a move toward more independent operations. The DRM-free platform remains dedicated to the ideal of granting gamers true ownership of the titles they purchase.