Payment processors have started to influence what gaming content can be hosted on popular sites & stores. First, we saw Steam succumb to pressure from payment processors surrounding adult-themed games, and now, itch.io has released a statement regarding NSFW content on its platform. The indie game marketplace is a popular spot for solo devs to upload content for free.
itch.io users noticed a change to the adult tag on the marketplace, noting that search results were being culled and seemingly shadowbanned. The creator of the platform, leafo, has now confirmed that they have “deindexed all adult NSFW content” from browse and search pages.
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itch.io is reviewing its NSFW content
Recently, we came under scrutiny from our payment processors regarding the nature of some content hosted on itch.io. Due to a game titled No Mercy, which was temporarily available on itch.io before being banned back in April, the organization Collective Shout launched a campaign against Steam and itch.io, directing concerns to our payment processors about the nature of certain content found on both platforms.
Source: itch.io
The blog post goes on to say that itch.io is “conducting a comprehensive audit of content to ensure we can meet the requirements of our payment processors”. Once the review is complete, new compliance measures will be introduced. It also confirms that some content will be permanently removed from itch.io as a result of the rule changes.
Valve has already responded to the payment processor controversy, essentially confirming the new rule changes. Valve also reimbursed affected developers in the form of App Credits – a currency on Steamworks that devs can use to upload games/apps to the platform; it usually costs a flat $100 fee to distribute on Steam. In the case of itch.io, however, which proudly allows game creators to upload content for “completely free”, there is no sign of reimbursement.
You can argue that itch.io has a stronger presence of adult content compared to Steam, given its indie-focused nature, so this sudden change is certainly going to cause a shake-up. Many will agree that some content – such as the NSFW games that have already been removed from Steam (see below) – doesn’t belong on these platforms. However, gamers worry about the implications of payment processors having free rein of censorship on marketplaces such as Steam, itch,io, and more.
