Doki Doki Literature Club removed from Google Play Store

The popular visual novel Doki Doki Literature Club has recently been removed from the Google Play Store, reportedly due to a violation of the terms of service. Google’s decision came on April 8, 2026, a few months after the game was added to mobile platforms in December 2025. This article looks at the background behind the decision, the impact on players, and the developers’ response.

Background of the game

Doki Doki Literature Club (DDLC) is a visual novel that was originally released as freeware in 2017. Developed by Team Salvato, the game is known for its unexpected twists and its handling of mental health themes. Although it initially appears to revolve around a seemingly innocent romantic storyline, it quickly turns into a horror experience that confronts players with heavy topics such as self-harm and emotional abuse.

In December 2025, DDLC was made available on mobile platforms for the first time, including Android and iOS. The Google Play release was met with enthusiasm, and the game quickly racked up thousands of downloads. The user reception on Android — with an almost perfect score and thousands of positive reviews — showed that players appreciated DDLC’s unique approach.

Removal from the Google Play Store

On April 8, 2026, it was announced that Doki Doki Literature Club had been removed from the Google Play Store. The reason for this decision, as confirmed by both Google and the developer, was the