Mastercard and Visa Under Fire as Hundreds of Adult Games Disappear from Steam and Itch.io: What It Means for Gamers

Payment giants like Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe are facing backlash for urging online gaming platforms to remove many games. This pressure, tied to an Australian anti-porn group, has stirred significant public discussion.

Recently, Itch.io, an independent gaming site, took down all adult or not-safe-for-work (NSFW) games. The company acted quickly to avoid payment disruptions, stating it sought to maintain a marketplace for all developers.

This decision followed a letter from Collective Shout, a group advocating against the sexualization of women and girls. They demanded payment providers stop services to platforms like Itch.io and Steam, claiming that numerous games featured disturbing content.

Itch.io’s rapid response meant not just addressing specific complaints but removing a broader category of NSFW content, with some games completely taken off. “We had to act urgently to protect the platform’s core payment infrastructure,” Itch.io explained, emphasizing the need for quick action over thorough notification to creators. Some users voiced frustration over losing access to games they had already purchased, a claim Itch.io contested.

Collective Shout, while a smaller group, has made significant strides in influencing policy. Melinda Tankard Reist, its director, was recently appointed to a government advisory board related to age verification technology. The group has consistently campaigned for a mandatory internet filter in Australia, promoting initiatives they believe will safeguard youth online.

Their recent campaign’s impact is evident. Itch.io and Steam both altered their policies, illustrating the growing influence of such advocacy groups. For instance, Steam, boasting around 132 million active users, also removed various games in response to pressure.

Despite the intentions behind the movements, the outcome has left mixed feelings. Some users fear that today’s actions could lead to future censorship. A member of the LGBTQ+ community expressed concern that the removal of sexual content could extend to games with LGBTQ+ themes. They noted, “Banning sexual content never stops there; it always includes non-sexual things.”

Meanwhile, Tankard Reist clarified that the blanket removal of NSFW games was not the original goal. Itch.io aims to introduce compliance measures instead of a complete ban. She emphasized that while payment processors have the right to enforce their policies, they also need to recognize the broader implications of their actions.

The ongoing discussion raises important questions about internet freedom and content regulation. With petitions gaining traction—over 147,000 signatures opposing the control over what users can access—it’s clear this won’t be a quiet issue. Prominent figures, like Elon Musk, have also chimed in, indicating that the debate is far from over.

Data from recent studies shows a growing concern among internet users regarding censorship. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, about 65% of Americans believe that government regulation could limit free expression online. This sentiment is echoed in forthcoming regulations such as the Online Safety Act in Australia.

As the landscape of online gaming and content continues to evolve, the tension between user freedom and regulatory efforts will remain a pivotal topic of discussion.



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