Summary of the Freedom of Expression Association and EngelliWeb research
The Freedom of Expression Association’s EngelliWeb project systematically monitored the number of games blocked from access in Türkiye on the Steam platform and shared the updated data with the public. According to the research results, the number of games blocked from access or requested to be removed from publication by the decisions of the Magistrates’ Courts reached 767. This figure indicates a rapid increase compared to previous announcements.
How was this figure reached? Step-by-step decision and identification process
EngelliWeb’s identification process consisted of three main steps: (1) Collecting the access blocking or removal from publication decisions given by the Magistrates’ Courts, (2) matching the decisions with the relevant game pages on Steam, (3) verifying the access blocking information from Türkiye. In the first review, 45 pages were identified on August 27, 2026, and in the second announcement, 255 pages were identified on September 25, 2026; after the latest decisions, the total reached 767. This increase shows that new court decisions are regularly reflected in the system.
Distribution of content classification of games blocked from access
According to EngelliWeb’s findings, 762 out of 767 games were tagged with at least one category within Steam’s adult content classification system. The remaining 5 games did not carry any adult content tag on Steam. The distribution by category is as follows:
General Adult Content: 762 games (99.3%)
Infrequent Nudity or Sexual Content: 738 games (96.2%)
Frequent Nudity or Sexual Content: 726 games (94.7%)
Adult Only Sexual Content: 725 games (94.5%)
Frequent Violence or Gore: 92 games (12.0%)
Since games can belong to more than one category, the sum of the percentages exceeds 100. This distribution shows that the majority of blocked titles are related to sexually-oriented classifications; violence-themed labels are seen in a more limited number of games.
Steam’s technical status and visibility in Türkiye
Although the decisions of the magistrates’ courts have been technically implemented, the Steam platform has not yet automatically hidden these games in Türkiye; Therefore, an immediate disappearance from the user interface may not be observed. The implementation of legal decisions, the platform’s internal procedures, content providers’ appeals processes, and the coordination of local access blocking infrastructure may change over time. In the short term, it is possible for content to continue to appear on the platform; however, access restrictions may be activated in the coming days.
Examples and potential impacts
Blocking decisions can have three types of impacts on game developers, publishers, and the player community: loss of revenue, reputational impacts, and legal/administrative burden. For example, a small independent developer may experience financial pressure due to a sudden decrease in sales in the Turkish market. Large publishers, on the other hand, may try to reverse the decision through appeals processes and age classification updates. Furthermore, continued access visibility on the platform creates confusion for users; the discrepancy between official blocking lists and what the platform displays can lead to trust issues.
Answers to frequently asked questions (Short answers optimized for People Also Ask)
Do these blocks mean that games are completely removed from Steam? No; Court rulings mandate that content be blocked from access in Türkiye, but visibility in Steam’s technical implementation and user interface may not change immediately.
Why are most blocked games classified as sexually explicit content? Magistrates’ court rulings generally target adult content elements; EngelliWeb data shows that the majority of blocked titles are tagged under sexually themed categories.
Can these decisions be overturned? Yes. Publishers or developers can appeal, update the content, or change the classification to have the decision reconsidered. Legal appeals processes are also possible.
How do users learn about this list? Civil society resources like EngelliWeb monitor the rulings and publish lists; official court rulings and announcements from access providers are also sources of information.
What can be done? Recommendations and Follow-up Steps
Practical steps for stakeholders who want to mitigate the impact of decisions or manage uncertainty are as follows:
Developers and publishers: review content descriptions and classifications, add age restrictions and content warnings if necessary; initiate legal appeals processes and keep user communication transparent.
Users: check current access status before making purchase and download decisions; consider the legal consequences of using VPNs or alternative access methods.
Civil society and observers: regularly monitor public records such as EngelliWeb, and prepare easily accessible summaries to inform the public.
Conclusion and Monitoring Indicators
The number 767 reveals the extent of pressure on platform content in Türkiye through judicial decisions. Key monitoring indicators: frequency of new court decisions, Steam’s technical implementation speed, publishers’ appeal and content update rates, and changes in visibility in user experience. These variables will determine the reach map of the platform in the coming weeks and months.
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