Mastercard Faces Backlash Over Censorship of Adult Games
▼ Summary
– Mastercard denies enforcing censorship, stating its actions are based on the “rule of law” and lawful purchases, requiring merchants to prevent illegal adult content.
– Visa also responded, claiming it doesn’t make moral judgments on legal purchases and adheres to the law, similar to Mastercard.
– The delisting of adult-themed games was influenced by Australian anti-porn group Collective Shout, which pressured payment processors to act against platforms like Steam and Itch.io.
– Developers report that games with LGBTQ themes were unfairly removed, sparking criticism of arbitrary moral enforcement by payment processors.
– Itch.io and Steam have taken measures like content purging and re-indexing, while facing ongoing discussions with payment processors over adult content policies.
The recent removal of adult-themed games from major digital platforms has sparked controversy, with Mastercard facing criticism over its role in the censorship debate. While the payment giant denies enforcing content restrictions, developers argue that vague policies are unfairly targeting legitimate creative works.
Mastercard recently clarified its position, stating that its network operates within legal boundaries rather than imposing moral judgments. “We allow all lawful purchases while requiring merchants to prevent illegal transactions, including unlawful adult content,” the company emphasized. However, critics point out that the delisted games, many featuring LGBTQ+ themes, haven’t been proven to violate any laws. Visa echoed similar sentiments, distancing itself from moral policing while insisting on legal compliance.
The crackdown appears linked to pressure from Collective Shout, an Australian anti-porn advocacy group. The organization claims responsibility for mobilizing supporters to bombard payment processors with demands to withdraw services unless platforms removed games they deemed objectionable. Their campaign specifically cited titles allegedly containing extreme themes, though developers argue the purge has swept up far broader content under ambiguous definitions of “adult material.”
Platforms like Steam and Itch.io have scrambled to adjust policies amid the financial pressure. Steam quietly updated its terms, while Itch.io temporarily delisted adult content before partially reinstating it, citing ongoing negotiations with payment providers. Notably, Stripe, Itch.io’s primary processor, has now barred transactions for content deemed sexually explicit, forcing creators to seek alternative solutions.
The backlash has galvanized the gaming community, with organizations like the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) demanding clearer guidelines and fairer moderation. Meanwhile, artists and indie developers are urging supporters to challenge payment processors directly, framing the issue as corporate overreach into creative expression.
As debates over censorship and financial gatekeeping intensify, the situation highlights the growing influence payment companies wield over digital marketplaces, and the unintended consequences when policies lack precision. For now, developers remain caught in the crossfire, waiting for clearer standards that protect both legality and artistic freedom.
(Source: GameSpot)
