The gaming industry is currently facing significant scrutiny and debate surrounding adult content and censorship, as major platforms like Steam and itch.io have begun delisting or de-indexing a large number of games. This action, driven by pressure from payment processors, has sparked concerns among developers about artistic freedom and the potential for broader censorship.
Crackdown on Adult Content
In recent weeks, both Steam and itch.io have taken steps to remove or make inaccessible a substantial number of games categorized as "not safe for work" (NSFW). This crackdown was reportedly initiated due to demands from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard, who threatened to withdraw services if platforms continued to host certain types of adult content. Steam began by removing hundreds of titles, while itch.io de-indexed all adult games from its search and browse pages, a move that significantly impacted discoverability for many developers.
- Platform Actions: Steam delisted hundreds of adult titles, while itch.io removed adult content from search results.
- Reasoning: Pressure from payment processors citing content policies and potential reputational damage.
- Impact: Widespread de-indexing and removal of games, affecting both explicit adult content and titles with sensitive themes.
Developer Concerns and Censorship Fears
Developers have expressed alarm over the broad nature of these removals, noting that even award-winning indie games dealing with sensitive but non-explicit themes, such as disordered eating or domestic abuse, have been affected. Critics argue that this situation represents a "slippery slope" towards more extensive censorship, where third-party financial institutions dictate content moderation. The lack of clear guidelines from platforms regarding what constitutes problematic content has further fueled developer anxiety.
The Role of Collective Shout
An Australian group named Collective Shout has been identified as a key instigator behind these actions. The organization has actively campaigned against platforms like Steam and itch.io, urging payment processors to cease business with them due to the presence of games allegedly depicting rape, incest, and child abuse. While Collective Shout states its aim is to protect women and girls from objectification and violence, critics contend that their broad approach unfairly targets a wide range of content, including LGBTQ+ themes, and stifles artistic expression.
Broader Implications for the Gaming Landscape
The controversy highlights the significant power wielded by payment processors in the digital marketplace. Their decisions can have profound effects on platform operations and developer livelihoods. Many in the gaming community fear that caving to such pressure could set a precedent for increased censorship, potentially limiting the diversity of content available and impacting creators, particularly those from marginalized communities. The debate raises fundamental questions about free speech, artistic integrity, and the responsibility of platforms in navigating complex content issues.
Future Outlook
Platforms like itch.io have stated they are conducting audits to comply with payment processor requirements and will implement new rules for NSFW content. However, the lack of transparency regarding these requirements leaves many developers uncertain about the future. The situation underscores a growing tension between commercial interests, content moderation, and the desire to maintain an open and diverse digital space for game creators and players alike.
Sources
- Crackdown on sex video games goes wide, alarming developers and impacting award-winning titles, Game File | Stephen Totilo.
- Adult NSFW games are getting pulled from itch.io, just like Steam, Polygon.
- Steam and Itch.io Are Pulling ‘Porn’ Games. Critics Say It’s a Slippery Slope to More Censorship, WIRED.
