Norwegian police arrested a 24-year-old man from Sør-Rogaland. They charged him with possessing a 2015 Japanese video game authorities classify as “abuse material.” The game, Dorei to no Seikatsu (“Life with a Slave”), lets players care for a young girl previously abused by her owner. Six of its seven modes contain sexual content involving minors. Consequently, authorities took legal action in Norway.

The suspect said he only played the version without sexual content. Although the court accepted his statement, judges still ruled the game illegal under Norwegian law. Additionally, police investigator Fredrik Martin Sørnes said, “It depicts sexual acts involving individuals under 18 years old.” He confirmed the content qualifies as abuse material.

Investigation Triggered by NCMEC Tip

The U.S. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) traced an IP address to the man in Rogaland. Consequently, Norwegian police launched an investigation. Officers raided his home, seized his computer, and found Dorei to no Seikatsu along with other illegal files. Meanwhile, investigator Erik Henna Hagen described the game as “a vulgar Tamagotchi” and warned it is easily accessible online.

Hagen added that some Asian countries allow more permissive laws for animations, making the game legal there. Furthermore, he explained, “This game is completely legal in several countries. In Norway, however, it constitutes a crime. Some people may struggle to understand why authorities consider it illegal.”

Legal Consequences and Past Cases

Prosecutors said the man could face a maximum prison sentence of three years. However, the case likely will not reach that length due to slow legal procedures. Authorities also stressed that Norway has prosecuted similar offenses before.

In August, police discovered illegal videos and a video game sexualizing children on another man’s phone. As a result, that man received a three-month jail sentence. These cases highlight Norway’s strict stance against content sexualizing minors. The law applies even if it is legal elsewhere.