Itch.io Restricts Adult Games Amid Payment Processor Pressure

Moderation, NSFW Games

CONTEUDO:

The indie video game platform Itch.io has moved to deindex adult and not-safe-for-work (NSFW) titles from its search and browse functions. The decision follows a broader industry trend where marketplaces are tightening content standards to align with the demands of financial institutions and payment processors.

The policy shift was triggered by a campaign led by Collective Shout, an advocacy group that previously targeted both Itch.io and Steam over the distribution of “No Mercy,” a game featuring depictions of rape and incest. In an open letter to executives at companies including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, the organization argued that facilitating transactions for such content contradicts corporate values regarding violence against women.

Payment Infrastructure as a Catalyst

The pressure on platforms to police content has intensified as payment processors enforce stricter rules. Steam recently updated its policies to prohibit games that violate the standards of its banking partners and network providers. Itch.io has similarly prioritized its relationship with payment partners, noting that it had to move quickly to protect its core infrastructure.

According to the company, “No Mercy” was briefly hosted on the site before being banned in April. Because the situation unfolded rapidly, the platform removed the content without providing advance warning to developers. Itch.io is currently conducting a “comprehensive audit” to ensure all listed games comply with the requirements set by their payment processors.

Future Requirements for Creators

• Adult content will remain deindexed until the platform-wide audit concludes.
• Once the review is finished, creators of NSFW games must verify that their content adheres to the policies of their specific payment processors.
• Developers have raised concerns regarding the platform’s terms, which state that violations can result in the permanent forfeiture of all funds in an account, not just revenue from the offending work.

The involvement of financial intermediaries in content moderation has sparked significant backlash. A Change.org petition, which has garnered over 137,000 signatures, accuses payment giants like Mastercard and Visa of censoring legal fictional content and succumbing to moral panic. This mirrors previous industry conflicts, such as when OnlyFans attempted to ban explicit content in 2021—a decision it later reversed—citing pressure from banking partners.