What happens when Steam bans a game?

So, an interest thing happened earlier. I was doing my usual research – hunting down offline games, preferably with bots. Good, well-programmed bots. The kinda games that don’t rely on servers. Games we can actually own. And then, I realised that one of the games in my Steam library (apparently) got banned. What happens when Steam bans a game? – you ask, it gets nuked out of existence. Quin (the Steam game) is no where to be found now, for Steam users.

The good news is – I can still play the game. I still have it in my Library, which is a relief. Another advantage of offline games, with bots! The games remain playable, offline, even after a Steam ban, or server shutdowns. Hooray for gaming with bots!

Usually, games don’t get banned. In most cases, most games get ‘retired.’ Which means you can still download it, and still visit the store page, etc. For example: when a game’s servers gets shutdown, the store page will remain findable (especially to those who own the game). But, when the developer violates some major rules. Their game(s) get banned. Even those who own it won’t be able to visit the store page. Luckily though, you might still be able to download it via your Library (unless that changes in the future).

Why did Quin get banned

As far as I can tell, the developer is rumored to have manipulated (or tried to manipulate) the game’s Steam reviews. Upon hearing that, I took it upon myself to try and read/find out what I can about the developer – Nautlander. And, what do you know! It turns out Quin was made by a solodeveloper. I respect solodevs. Salute!

i also found out that – the discussion forums for his game are still visible, which was great for my research. And, while surfing the forums, I found an old pinned message there, where he said, “I’m a solo developer, and I’m always trying to improve my games.” The message had nothing to do with any potential ban, it was just a solodeveloper trying to connect with his players. Which saddens me all the more, to know that the dev is no longer on Steam. Sigh. Whatever the reason, its a sad shame this had to happen. If the rumours (which lead to the ban) are true, its all rather unfortunate. Nautlander went on to add “Even though it is not always feasible to include some change in the current game, I will consider it for future projects. Every suggestion is welcome!“

One youtuber seems to have the answers on why Nautlander got banned two years ago. The YouTuber said, “Nautlander got banned on Steam, and all their games removed for review manipulation. They were asking on their store pages for people to give their games positive reviews. It doesn’t seem likely they will be unbanned. From what I can find this started in early 2021 with their game Dojoran, the devs made a new account to bypass the ban and sell more games, these games were banned when Valve found out about it in March 2022.”

Conclusion on why Quin got banned

I don’t know if the developer’s intent was malicious, or just a desperate plea from a solodeveloper trying to stay afloat. Either way, such practices (when proven true) may result in being banned. Another sigh. But, I’m glad that I managed to grab the game on Steam (before it was banned). But you can still get Nautlander’s games on Gamejolt, and Itch. Which is what happens when Steam bans a game. If its a small studio (or solodeveloper) the game might still be available on other stores, and game launchers. But, if its a big studio (or larger team), that might be the end of it.