Helltaker creator addresses the large amount of NSFW fan content the game has inspired

In the promotion video for his new ghost dating sim/ management game Awaria, Lukasz Piskorz (also known by his online handle “vanripper”) started off by talking about the success of his previous demon dating sim/ puzzle game, Helltaker. Briefly referencing Helltaker’s overwhelmingly positive reception on Steam and around the world, he drew attention to the considerable amount of NSFW content that the game’s success has generated. 

Helltaker fans enamored with the dating sim have taken to creating some rather explicit fanart. The combination of Helltaker’s unique art style, well-developed characters and narrative are likely what inspires these mature-themed tributes.  

In the game you play a male human known only as “The Helltaker,” who opens a portal to hell in order to acquire a harem of demon ladies. There is more to Helltaker’s story than the main premise, as Piskorz adds context to the characters both in and out of the game (he creates SFW character art and the occasional Helltaker comic, posting them on his X account). This official background info also likely inspires fans’ creations. Thus, Piskorz jokes that he has been inevitably corrupted by Helltaker’s success and the mountain of NSFW art that followed. 

Despite this, he released his newest game, Awaria, completely for free on Windows, with macOS and Linux versions in the works. However, those who wish to support his crippling addiction to gacha games can buy Awaria’s digital artbook and babeczki recipe (Polish for “small cakes”) on Steam for $10 USD. This DLC content can also be unlocked for free by completing Awaria levels on hard mode. 

Helltaker can be downloaded for free via Steam and Itch.