Steam and itch.io Game De-indexing: Difference between revisions
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===Background=== | ===Background=== | ||
*In April 2025, the game ''No Mercy'' (described by critics as a 'rape simulator', but by its developer as a 'choice-driven adult visual novel') was briefly available on ''Steam'' and ''itch.io'' before being removed. This game attracted the attention of [[Collective Shout]], an Australian anti-pornography advocacy group, which launched a campaign against both platforms.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=leafo@moonscript |date=July 24, 2025 |title=Update on NSFW Content |url=https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=itch.io }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/jul/29/why-did-adult-titles-disappear-from-steam-itch-pc-gaming-payment-processors |archive-url= |archive-date= |website= }}</ref> | *In April 2025, the game ''No Mercy'' (described by critics as a 'rape simulator', but by its developer as a 'choice-driven adult visual novel') was briefly available on ''Steam'' and ''itch.io'' before being removed. This game attracted the attention of [[Collective Shout]], an Australian anti-pornography advocacy group, which launched a campaign against both platforms.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=leafo@moonscript |date=July 24, 2025 |title=Update on NSFW Content |url=https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=itch.io }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/jul/29/why-did-adult-titles-disappear-from-steam-itch-pc-gaming-payment-processors |archive-url= |archive-date= |website= }}</ref> | ||
*''[[Collective Shout]]'', known for campaigning against the 'sexualization of women and girls', sent an open letter to payment processors including ''PayPal, | *''[[Collective Shout]]'', known for campaigning against the 'sexualization of women and girls', sent an open letter to payment processors including ''PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, Discover'', and ''JCB'' on July 11, 2025. The letter accused ''Steam'' and ''itch.io'' of hosting games depicting 'rape, incest, and child sexual abuse' and urged payment processors to cease services for these platforms.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=July 29, 2025 |title= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/mastercard-visa-backlash-adult-games-removed-online-stores-steam-itchio-ntwnfb |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=The Gaurdian }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/itchio-has-deindexed-all-adult-nsfw-content-following-scrutiny-from-payment-processors |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=itch.io }}</ref> | ||
*Both ''Steam'' and ''itch.io'' responded by removing or de-indexing content, but their approaches differed. Valve (Steam's parent company) selectively removed games, while ''itch.io'' implemented a blanket de-indexing of all NSFW-tagged content, affecting over 20,000 games and other media.<ref name=":2"></ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.theverge.com/games/715299/itchio-games-delisting-payment-processor-paypal |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=The Verge }}</ref> | *Both ''Steam'' and ''itch.io'' responded by removing or de-indexing content, but their approaches differed. Valve (Steam's parent company) selectively removed games, while ''itch.io'' implemented a blanket de-indexing of all NSFW-tagged content, affecting over 20,000 games and other media.<ref name=":2"></ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.theverge.com/games/715299/itchio-games-delisting-payment-processor-paypal |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=The Verge }}</ref> | ||
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===Payment processor policies and statements=== | ===Payment processor policies and statements=== | ||
<!--Cant get the links for blockquotes to work --> | |||
====MasterCard==== | |||
{{Quote|MasterCard has not evaluated any game or required restrictions of any activity on game creator sites and platforms, contrary to media reports and allegations. Our payment network follows standards based on the rule of law. Put simply, we allow all lawful purchases on our network. At the same time, we require merchants to have appropriate controls to ensure MasterCard cards cannot be used for unlawful purchases, including illegal adult content.|Spokesperson|[https://www.ign.com/articles/mastercard-denies-it-pressured-steam-itchio-to-delist-adult-games IGN]}} | |||
Despite MasterCard's denial, Valve cited '''MasterCard Rule 5.12.7''' as the basis for removal, which prohibits 'illegal or brand-damaging transactions', including content deemed 'patently offensive and lacking serious artistic value' (e.g., nonconsensual sexual behavior, exploitation of minors) | |||
Despite | |||
====Visa==== | ====Visa==== | ||
Visa did not issue a direct statement in the search results, but it was named in Collective Shout's open letter and acknowledged as a key payment processor involved | Visa did not issue a direct statement in the search results, but it was named in Collective Shout's open letter and acknowledged as a key payment processor involved | ||
Visa’s policies likely align with | Visa’s policies likely align with MasterCard's, as both operate under similar network rules aimed at protecting brand reputation and preventing illegal transactions | ||
====PayPal==== | ====PayPal==== | ||