Itch.io Removes NSFW Content Due to Payment Partner Pressure
▼ Summary
– Itch.io has removed thousands of NSFW games from browse and search pages due to pressure from payment providers, acting without warning to creators.
– The move follows similar actions by Steam, which recently banned adult games violating payment processor standards after campaigns by groups like Collective Shout.
– The controversy stems from the game *No Mercy*, which depicted extreme sexual violence and incest, leading to backlash and pressure on payment processors.
– Itch.io stated the decision was urgent to protect payment infrastructure, impacting over 20,000 games, including non-pornographic 18+ titles like *Consume Me*.
– Some games may return after a content audit, but others will be permanently removed, with affected developers to be notified soon.
Itch.io has removed thousands of adult games from public view following pressure from payment providers, leaving developers scrambling with little warning. The platform confirmed the sudden delisting was necessary to maintain its payment processing capabilities, though the abrupt decision has drawn criticism from creators and users alike.
The move mirrors recent actions by Valve, which banned hundreds of NSFW titles from Steam after facing scrutiny from financial partners. Payment processors like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard reportedly raised concerns over certain types of explicit content, prompting both platforms to take swift action. The controversy traces back to No Mercy, a now-banned game that depicted extreme sexual violence, sparking backlash from advocacy groups like Collective Shout.
In a public statement, Itch.io explained the urgency behind the decision: “Our ability to process payments is essential for every creator on our platform. To ensure we can continue operating, we must prioritize compliance with our payment partners.” The platform acknowledged the lack of advance notice, calling it an unfortunate necessity given the time-sensitive nature of the situation.
Early estimates suggest over 20,000 adult games have been affected, with some developers reporting that even previously purchased content is temporarily inaccessible. Unlike Steam, which issued clear guidelines on banned material, Itch.io plans to conduct a full audit before implementing new policies. This leaves room for some games, particularly those with mature themes but no explicit content, to eventually return.
Notable casualties include Consume Me, an award-winning indie game exploring eating disorders, which was mistakenly caught in the sweep. Meanwhile, titles featuring prohibited content will be permanently removed, with affected developers set to receive notifications soon.
The situation highlights the growing influence of payment providers on digital marketplaces, forcing platforms to balance creative freedom with financial viability. While Itch.io aims to restore some content, the immediate fallout has left many questioning the transparency and fairness of such sweeping removals.
(Source: IGN)
