Another Platform Follows Steam’s Lead By Removing Adult Games Due to ‘Critical Pressure’

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Indie game marketplace Itch.io has removed adult (NSFW) games from their search and browsing sections due to a recent change in policy, prompted by their payment processing partners. This action mirrors Steam’s decision, with Itch.io explaining that this measure is crucial for the platform to keep facilitating transactions for developers, ensuring its long-term operation.

In recent times, gaming platforms like Steam have come under more scrutiny from credit card companies such as Visa and Mastercard due to the explicit nature of some games. This increased attention is primarily because these financial institutions are concerned about potential fraudulent transactions, legal issues, and damage to their reputation. A current issue that has sparked debate involves a campaign by an Australian advocacy group called Collective Shout, who have been challenging games on Steam and Itch.io for containing graphic and disturbing sexual content.

At the heart of the uproar was a disturbing game titled “No Mercy“, known for its depiction of violent sexual acts. This game was taken off Steam earlier this year, but it served as the focal point for Collective Shout’s campaign, aiming to force payment processors to sever ties with any platforms offering similar content. Recently, Itch.io has responded to these demands by making all NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content invisible on public pages, citing that the situation unfolded quickly and left them without time to notify creators in advance.

Itch.io is Implementing New Content Rules to Better Comply With Payment Processor Guidelines

In an official announcement, Itch.io is carrying out a comprehensive review of all content available on their platform. While direct links to adult content are still accessible, creators will soon need to ensure their work complies with new guidelines set by payment processors. This includes games like the critically acclaimed “Consume Me,” which tackles topics such as eating disorders and societal pressures, among others. Itch.io acknowledges that some games may be permanently removed from the platform during this review, but they stress the importance of maintaining their ability to process payments to continue supporting independent developers.

Ensuring smooth transactions is essential for every creator using our platform. For us to keep running as a platform and offer a marketplace for innovators, it’s crucial that we focus on strengthening our partnerships with payment providers and promptly adhere to necessary compliance requirements.

Yet, many independent developers, particularly queer creators and those sharing personal, often complex narratives, have voiced their concerns about Itch.io’s recent policy shift. Although it’s important to prohibit truly harmful content like the game “No Mercy“, indiscriminately removing any content labeled as “NSFW” could potentially mute significant and thought-provoking work. In their efforts to please corporate partners, Itch.io and Steam might unintentionally mirror a lengthy history of censorship and moral panic, where the pretense of “protecting users” is often employed to stifle voices that challenge the norm or fall outside the mainstream.

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2025-07-24 21:12