After recent changes, Steam has put new restrictions on adult-only content, a move that has upset many gamers. The platform cited compliance with payment processors as the reason behind this shift. Similarly, itch.io has also removed games to align with these processors’ guidelines.
In response, gamers are starting to make their voices heard. On platforms like Reddit, players are reaching out to payment processors, particularly Visa, encouraging them to reconsider their stance. A user shared a thoughtful message expressing concern over Visa’s influence on what content can be sold online. The message highlights a common frustration: many feel that payment processors shouldn’t dictate what is acceptable in the gaming world.
Visa claims that they focus on protecting legal commerce, stating they don’t interfere with legal transactions. However, some users challenge this claim, feeling that Visa’s actions are more about moral judgment than commerce.
This situation isn’t just about personal preferences; it’s part of a larger trend of increasing censorship in various industries. For instance, research from the Electronic Frontier Foundation indicates that more platforms are facing pressure to censor content due to payment processors’ policies, which can have widespread implications for free expression online.
It’s vital to remember that this debate isn’t new. Similar issues arose in the past over censorship in the arts and literature. Today’s gamers are not only voicing their opinions but also revealing how interconnected these platforms and payment systems are.
As this issue unfolds, many in the gaming community are in wait-and-see mode, hoping for changes that respect both creative freedom and legal transactions. It remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be and what impact they’ll have on the industry’s future.
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