Oxenfree, the critically acclaimed adventure game from Night School Studio, is set to be removed from the popular indie game storefront Itch.io on October 1. This news comes as a surprise to many fans of the game, as well as those who have it in their library. The decision to remove Oxenfree from Itch.io has left players wondering about the future availability of the game and the reasons behind its removal.
What is Oxenfree?
Oxenfree is a unique and atmospheric adventure game that follows a group of friends who unintentionally open a ghostly rift. Players take on the role of Alex, a teenager who must navigate through the eerie island of Edwards Island while uncovering dark secrets and facing supernatural forces. The game’s innovative dialogue system allows players to shape the story through their choices and interactions with other characters.
Since its release in 2016, Oxenfree has garnered praise for its engaging story, memorable characters, and haunting soundtrack. The game’s captivating narrative and immersive gameplay have made it a standout title in the indie gaming scene.
Reasons for Removal
The email sent to users who own Oxenfree on Itch.io did not provide a specific reason for the game’s removal. However, speculation has arisen that the decision may be linked to Netflix’s ownership of Night School Studio since 2021. It is possible that the streaming giant’s involvement has led to the removal of Oxenfree from Itch.io, though this has not been confirmed.
The sudden removal of Oxenfree from Itch.io has raised concerns among players about the stability and longevity of digital game libraries. With the increasing trend of corporate acquisitions in the gaming industry, there is a growing fear that more games could disappear from storefronts in the future. This uncertainty highlights the importance of preserving access to games that players have purchased and enjoyed.
Implications for Players
For players who own Oxenfree on Itch.io, the looming removal date of October 1 serves as a reminder to download and secure their copy of the game before it is no longer available. While the game can still be accessed through users’ libraries by manually searching for it, this option will soon be unavailable once Oxenfree is completely removed from the platform.
The situation with Oxenfree on Itch.io raises questions about the reliability of digital storefronts and the potential risks associated with purchasing games from smaller, independent platforms. While Steam has a reputation for providing long-term access to purchased games, other storefronts may not offer the same level of security and assurance for players.
Preserving Digital Libraries
The removal of Oxenfree from Itch.io serves as a cautionary tale for players about the fragility of digital game libraries. As more companies enter the gaming market and acquire independent studios, the risk of games disappearing from storefronts increases. This loss of access to purchased games underscores the importance of preserving digital libraries and advocating for consumer rights in the gaming industry.
Players who participated in Itch.io’s Bundle for Racial Injustice and Equality in 2020 may have acquired Oxenfree as part of the bundle. In light of the game’s impending removal from the platform, it is advisable for bundle recipients to log in to Itch.io and download Oxenfree before it is no longer available.
In conclusion, the removal of Oxenfree from Itch.io highlights the challenges and uncertainties that players face in the digital gaming landscape. As the industry continues to evolve and undergo changes, it is essential for players to be proactive in protecting their digital libraries and advocating for transparency and consumer rights in the gaming marketplace.
