Steam and Itch.io Crack Down on Adult Games: Why Critics Warn This Leads to Increased Censorship

Late on the evening of July 23, developers noticed something odd on Itch.io, a digital marketplace for indie games. Many titles labeled as NSFW (not safe for work) vanished from search results without a warning. This included games tackling serious issues like mental health or LGBTQ+ themes.

Robert Yang, a game developer and educator, first spotted the change through a social media post. “There was no notification at all,” he said. It turns out, Itch.io has decided to deindex all adult games—across the board—whether they contain explicit content or not.

This decision followed pressure from Collective Shout, a group that aims to reduce the sexualization of women and girls. They targeted payment processors like Visa and Mastercard, urging them to cease relations with platforms that host adult content. This move is part of a broader phenomenon known as financial censorship. Just a week prior, Steam had also removed numerous adult games under similar circumstances, claiming they violated payment processor guidelines.

Leaf Corcoran, the founder of Itch.io, described the situation as “sudden and disruptive.” He indicated that adhering to payment processor demands was crucial for Itch.io’s operational success. Payment processors exert significant influence, and losing that support can hurt many creators, particularly those from marginalized groups.

This trend isn’t unique to Itch.io. The adult entertainment industry has seen similar campaigns aimed at platforms like PornHub and OnlyFans, pushing those companies to rethink their content policies.

Interestingly, public outrage has spurred debates about censorship and artistic freedom. One recent example is the game No Mercy, which attracted international condemnation for its themes of incest and non-consensual acts. It was quickly removed from storefronts after backlash escalated, demonstrating the power of public sentiment in shaping content availability.

The broader context indicates a worrying trend where financial institutions dictate what can and cannot be created or seen. This can impact not only developers but also users seeking diverse narratives in gaming and beyond.

As more platforms navigate the minefield of censorship and user expectations, the question remains: how can creators express themselves without fear of removal or backlash? The conversations surrounding these topics are evolving, indicating a pivotal moment in the gaming landscape.

For further details on this ongoing issue, you can explore Collective Shout’s website and their campaigns.

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video games,gaming culture,censorship,steam,porn