Steam and itch.io Game De-indexing: Difference between revisions
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|Description=April 2025, Steam and itch.io de-indexed video games without notice. | |Description=April 2025, Steam and itch.io de-indexed video games without notice. | ||
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==Background== | {{MergeRequest|Overlooked article on same incident|[[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam]]}} | ||
*In April 2025, the game ''No Mercy'' (described by critics as a | ===Background=== | ||
*''Collective Shout'', known for campaigning against the | *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> | ||
*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=": | *''[[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> | |||
===Platform responses=== | ===Platform responses=== | ||
====Steam==== | ====Steam==== | ||
*On July 16, 2025, Valve updated Steam's guidelines to prohibit | *On July 16, 2025, Valve updated Steam's guidelines to prohibit 'content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors', including 'certain kinds of adult content'.<ref name=":2"></ref><ref name=":4"></ref> | ||
*''Steam'' removed an unspecified number of games deemed non-compliant, focusing on titles identified as violating payment processor policies. Valve stated that loss of payment processing would jeopardize the entire platform.<ref name=": | *''Steam'' removed an unspecified number of games deemed non-compliant, focusing on titles identified as violating payment processor policies. Valve stated that loss of payment processing would jeopardize the entire platform.<ref name=":2"></ref><ref name=":4"></ref> | ||
====itch.io==== | ====itch.io==== | ||
*On July 24, 2025, ''itch.io'' de-indexed all adult NSFW content from browse and search functionalities, effectively making it undiscoverable. This was a temporary measure to comply with payment processors while conducting a comprehensive audit.<ref name=": | *On July 24, 2025, ''itch.io'' de-indexed all adult NSFW content from browse and search functionalities, effectively making it undiscoverable. This was a temporary measure to comply with payment processors while conducting a comprehensive audit.<ref name=":1"></ref><ref name=":4"></ref> | ||
*''itch.io'' announced that creators of NSFW content would need to confirm compliance with payment processor policies once the audit is complete. Some content will be permanently removed, and affected creators will be notified. | *''itch.io'' announced that creators of NSFW content would need to confirm compliance with payment processor policies once the audit is complete. Some content will be permanently removed, and affected creators will be notified.<ref name=":1"></ref><ref name=":5"></ref> | ||
*Unlike ''Steam'', ''itch.io'' is an open platform with minimal barriers to upload, hosting over 2 million product pages. This made targeted removal difficult, leading to a broad-brush approach.<ref name=": | *Unlike ''Steam'', ''itch.io'' is an open platform with minimal barriers to upload, hosting over 2 million product pages. This made targeted removal difficult, leading to a broad-brush approach.<ref name=":1"></ref> | ||
===Payment processor policies and statements=== | ===Payment processor policies and statements=== | ||
<!--Cant get the links for blockquotes to work --> | |||
====MasterCard==== | ====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}} | {{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 | 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) | ||
====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 MasterCard's, as both operate under similar network rules aimed at protecting brand reputation and preventing illegal transactions | 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==== | ||
{{Quote|PayPal is committed to maintaining a safe platform for its customers. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any illegal activity. Any accounts found to be associated with illegal activity will be closed.|Spokesperson|https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/mastercard-visa-backlash-adult-games-removed-online-stores-steam-itchio-ntwnfb | {{Quote|PayPal is committed to maintaining a safe platform for its customers. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any illegal activity. Any accounts found to be associated with illegal activity will be closed.|Spokesperson|[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/mastercard-visa-backlash-adult-games-removed-online-stores-steam-itchio-ntwnfb The Guardian] | ||
}} | }} | ||
PayPal’s acceptable use policy prohibits | PayPal’s acceptable use policy prohibits 'obscene or pornographic content', which it applies at its discretion. itch.io identified PayPal as one of its payment processors under scrutiny. | ||
====Stripe==== | ====Stripe==== | ||
{{Quote|Stripe is currently unable to support sexually explicit content due to restrictions placed on them by their banking partners, despite card networks generally supporting adult content (with the appropriate registrations). Stripe has indicated that they hope to be able to support adult content in the future.|Spokesperson|https://www.ign.com/articles/mastercard-denies-it-pressured-steam-itchio-to-delist-adult-games}} | {{Quote|Stripe is currently unable to support sexually explicit content due to restrictions placed on them by their banking partners, despite card networks generally supporting adult content (with the appropriate registrations). Stripe has indicated that they hope to be able to support adult content in the future.|Spokesperson|[https://www.ign.com/articles/mastercard-denies-it-pressured-steam-itchio-to-delist-adult-games IGN]}} | ||
Stripe also apologized for customer service representatives incorrectly claiming that LGBTQ+ content was prohibited. A spokesperson said: | Stripe also apologized for customer service representatives incorrectly claiming that LGBTQ+ content was prohibited. A spokesperson said: | ||
{{Quote|We apologize: the information given by our support team was totally wrong. Stripe has no prohibitions on the sale of LGBTQ+ content or goods.|Spokesperson|https://www.theverge.com/report/758927/stripe-lgbt-content-statement-itchio-adult-content}} | {{Quote|We apologize: the information given by our support team was totally wrong. Stripe has no prohibitions on the sale of LGBTQ+ content or goods.|Spokesperson|[https://www.theverge.com/report/758927/stripe-lgbt-content-statement-itchio-adult-content The Verge]}} | ||
Stripe’s terms of service explicitly forbid adult content, leading itch.io to suspend Stripe payments for 18+ content. | Stripe’s terms of service explicitly forbid adult content, leading itch.io to suspend Stripe payments for 18+ content. | ||
===Collective Shout=== | ===Collective Shout=== | ||
====Advocacy==== | ====Advocacy==== | ||
The organization is generally described as having a socially conservative orientation. This characterization stems from its advocacy against pornography, its alignment with anti-abortion perspectives, and its partnerships with conservative organizations like the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE). Reist herself identifies as a | The organization is generally described as having a socially conservative orientation. This characterization stems from its advocacy against pornography, its alignment with anti-abortion perspectives, and its partnerships with conservative organizations like the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE). Reist herself identifies as a 'pro-life feminist'. | ||
However, the group disputes the blanket | However, the group disputes the blanket ''anti-porn'' label. Its campaign manager, Caitlin Roper, stated the group is only 'anti-porn in the sense that we recognize mainstream porn overwhelmingly depicts men's violence and abuse of women',clarifying that they are not seeking to ban all explicit content but rather oppose content that features violence and dehumanization. | ||
====Public statements==== | ====Public statements==== | ||
Denied that their campaign intended to result in the blanket removal of all NSFW or LGBTQ+ content from platforms like Itch.io. They characterized Itch.io's decision to de-index all adult content as a overbroad reaction by the platform itself, not their desired outcome . They maintain their objection was solely to games featuring | Denied that their campaign intended to result in the blanket removal of all NSFW or LGBTQ+ content from platforms like Itch.io. They characterized Itch.io's decision to de-index all adult content as a overbroad reaction by the platform itself, not their desired outcome. They maintain their objection was solely to games featuring 'sexualised violence and torture of women'. This distances them from the accusation of a broad anti-consumer censorship agenda. | ||
==Lawsuit== | ==Lawsuit== | ||
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==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
*Backlash and advocacy: A Change.org petition demanding payment processors "stop controlling what we can watch, read, or play" garnered over 150,000 signatures. Consumers flooded payment processors with complaints. | |||
*Industry criticism: Developers and advocacy groups, such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), condemned the actions as "censorship-by-fiat" and warned of broader implications for creative expression. | |||
*Platform alternatives: itch.io is seeking alternative payment processors willing to support adult content, while Steam has maintained its updated policies. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||