Misery, the postnuclear co-op survival game developed primarily by a young solo developer known as Maewing, has been relisted on Steam after a week-long removal triggered by a DMCA complaint from GSC Game World, developers of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. The takedown was prompted by claims that Misery contained unlicensed assets and content closely resembling elements from GSC’s IP.
In a public update, Misery’s developer explained that the dispute was resolved after they removed several contested items including a helicopter model, certain guitar tracks, and Stalker-themed Easter eggs that had remained in the game’s resource files. These assets were reportedly remnants from early development stages and mistakenly overlooked during release.
While asserting that Misery does not infringe upon GSC’s intellectual property concerning storyline or characters, the developers expressed regret for the oversight and committed to stricter content review practices in future updates. The team also appealed to the community to avoid review bombing and remain respectful, emphasizing that negative behavior harms all parties involved.
The DMCA Controversy
GSC Game World issued the DMCA takedown alleging that Misery used copyrighted elements from the S.T.A.L.K.E.R franchise, including visual design, atmosphere, and musical pieces. The move sparked significant backlash from fans who viewed it as an overreach against a small indie developer. The Misery developer criticized the action as an abuse of power but acknowledged the need to comply and resolve the situation.
Misery was pulled from Steam shortly after its October 23, 2025, release despite attracting thousands of players and positive attention for its nostalgic PS1-style survival horror gameplay. The delisting severely impacted sales and led to numerous refund requests during the downtime.
Correction Measures
As part of the settlement, Misery’s developer removed the contentious helicopter model from game files, which was a non-playable legacy asset. Additionally, guitar tracks similar to those licensed exclusively by GSC were replaced or removed entirely. Stalker-themed Easter egg recreations, like a ruined arch resembling S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl imagery, were also excised from the game.
These changes allowed Valve to reinstate Misery on Steam starting November 13, 2025, much to the relief of the indie gaming community.
Community Response and Developer Apology
The initial DMCA notice was accompanied by leaked screenshots of offensive comments from the developer on Discord, which sparked further controversy. The developer issued an apology for inappropriate past comments and pledged to enforce stricter moderation and improve community conduct going forward.
Fans have been urged to focus on the game itself and not target GSC or the developer with insults or politically charged messages. The incident highlighted the tensions between big IP holders and indie developers in a crowded market.
The Future of Misery
Misery continues to receive content updates and patches from Platypus Entertainment, with plans to expand and improve the experience. The developer expressed optimism about the game’s future and hopes to rebuild momentum after the DMCA disruption.
Players who purchased Misery before the delisting retained access and continue enjoying the game uninterrupted. New buyers can now access the game normally through Steam.
FAQs
Why was Misery removed from Steam?
Misery was removed due to a DMCA takedown by GSC Game World citing unlicensed use of elements from the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise present in the game’s assets.
What changes were made for relisting?
The developer removed a helicopter model, certain guitar tracks licensed by GSC, and Stalker-themed Easter eggs to comply with the claims.
Will the game continue receiving updates?
Yes, the developer plans ongoing updates and content expansions post-relisting.
Can I still play Misery if I bought it before delisting?
Yes, owners retain full access to the game during and after the removal.
Is Misery similar to S.T.A.L.K.E.R?
While sharing some atmospheric and stylistic influences, Misery is an original indie game with different story and gameplay elements.
Why Give Misery a Second Chance?
Despite the legal hiccup, Misery carved out a niche for itself with its nostalgic survival horror mechanics and indie charm. Its reinstatement on Steam means players can once again experience this unique blend of classic PS1-style aesthetics and coop survival gameplay. The developer’s willingness to address the issues and improve the game bodes well for its future.
If you’re a fan of atmospheric survival games that combine tension, exploration, and cooperative gameplay, Misery now offers a promising return to form on Steam after resolving its DMCA challenges.