Understanding the Sudden Adult Game Ban on itch.io and Steam: What You Need to Know

Two popular digital game stores have recently blocked thousands of titles. This move came after pressure from a group opposed to adult content, along with major payment processors. Such actions threaten artistic freedom and stifle creators, especially those from marginalized communities.

Last week, itch.io, an indie gaming platform, announced it would no longer include any content labeled NSFW (not safe for work) in searches. This effectively made those works unfindable. Shortly thereafter, Steam took similar steps, enforcing stricter rules on adult content.

Leaf Corcoran, the founder of itch.io, stated that the decision stemmed from demands made by Collective Shout, an Australian nonprofit focused on combating the objectification of women and girls. Their campaign was notably highlighted due to a game called No Mercy, which was briefly available on itch.io before being flagged as inappropriate. The developer of the game, Zerat Games, described it as a visual novel rather than the “rape simulator” Collective Shout labeled it.

The fallout has been large, affecting over 20,000 games, books, and other creative works on itch.io. This mass deletion is confirmed through resources like the Internet Archive. Unfortunately, many creators depend on these sales for their livelihoods. Even works that don’t have explicit content tags, like Consume Me, a critically acclaimed game focused on eating disorders, were also removed.

A significant concern is the effect on LGBTQ+ creators. Many have noticed their content—sometimes entirely SFW—caught up in the sweep, simply because it carried LGBTQ+ tags. Comic artist Yuki Clarke noted that their sci-fi comic was removed despite not featuring adult content, just because it was tagged LGBTQ+. Historically, similar bans have often hit queer creators hard. For instance, a ban on adult content by Tumblr in 2018 led to many LGBTQ+ artists leaving the platform.

In response to the backlash, itch.io acknowledged the confusion regarding tags and their removal processes. Some creators are exploring alternative websites to sell their works, while others are considering removing their content entirely from itch.io. The platform has also committed to reviewing its NSFW policy and is looking for new payment solutions that won’t impose such strict limitations.

This trend is not isolated. Payment processors wield considerable influence over online platforms and their content regulations. For instance, in 2021, OnlyFans reversed its decision to ban adult content only after negotiations with banking partners. This pattern shows how the financial climate can significantly shape the creative landscape, often leading to the censorship of niche or minority voices.

As platforms like itch.io grapple with these changes, players and creators alike are voicing their dissatisfaction, flooding customer service lines with complaints. They stress the importance of creative freedom and the dire consequences of blanket policies that can erase entire creative communities.

In summary, the recent restrictions highlight a complex interplay between creative expression and financial powers. As the situation evolves, the implications for indie creators and the broader gaming community remain to be seen.

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