Re - indexing of Adult Content on Itch.io Amid Payment Processor Pressures
I. Itch.io's Re - indexing Move
On Thursday, the indie gaming platform Itch.io initiated the process of re - indexing certain adult content. This content had been delisted the previous month due to pressure exerted by conservative groups and payment processors over the hosting of Not Safe For Work (NSFW) titles. However, this action only affects games, comics, and other offerings that are already free. As such, they are not ensnared in the current payment - related predicament.
In a post on the site, Itch founder Leaf Corcoran stated, “We are still engaged in ongoing discussions with payment processors. To ensure long - term support for the broadest range of creators, we will gradually re - introduce paid content.”
II. Background of Adult Content Delistings
July Delistings on Multiple Platforms
In July, both Itch.io and the gaming platform Steam started delisting or completely removing games with adult content. The conservative group Collective Shout targeted these platforms, claiming it was part of an effort to remove what they alleged were “rape and incest” games.
Steam's Response to Pressure
Valve, which operates Steam, began removing hundreds of games after Collective Shout pressured its payment processors. The group urged banking institutions not to do business with the company due to the content on its platform.
Itch.io's Response to Pressure
When Collective Shout applied similar pressure to Itch.io's payment processors, Itch.io reportedly delisted over 20,000 titles with NSFW tags. This led to protest campaigns against financial institutions such as Visa and Mastercard. The delistings significantly impacted thousands of creators, including marginalized developers who identify as queer, trans, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
III. Payment Processor Constraints
Itch.io's Vulnerability
If Itch.io fails to reach an agreement with its payment processors, it will be effectively unable to sell any products to customers. Corcoran revealed that one of its earliest processors, Stripe, has confirmed that it “will not be able to support adult content that fits the following definition: ‘content designed for sexual gratification.’”
Mastercard's Stance
In a statement to WIRED, Mastercard stated that it has “not evaluated any game or required restrictions of any activity” on gaming platforms. Spokesperson Seth Eisen said, “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.” When questioned about how the company identifies illegal adult content on the platforms, Eisen directed WIRED to a 2021 policy stipulating that vendors use “strong content control measures on sites where our products are accepted.”
IV. Unpopularity Among Gaming Community and Creators
Steam - Developer Perspectives
The removals by Itch.io and Valve have been met with disfavor from both the gaming community and creators. On Steam, some developers believe their games have been unjustly affected by Collective Shout’s actions. Cara Cadaver, the creator of Vile: Exhumed, told WIRED that she was informed her game was removed from Steam due to “sexual content with depictions of real people,” which she claims is inaccurate. “Anyone who got the chance to play the game knows it is all implied,” Cadaver said. “The game has a lot of gore and violent themes, but that was the reason given.”
Cadaver also noted that not being able to release on Steam “drastically decreases” the game’s potential reach. “Steam is the largest video game storefront,” she said. “Less people will be able to play Vile or even know it exists.”
Valve's Lack of Response
Valve has not responded to multiple requests for comment. In July, the company confirmed to PC Gamer that it had removed some games that violated “rules and standards set forth by our payment processors and their related card networks and banks.”
V. Future Changes on Itch.io
Corcoran’s post on Thursday indicated that Itch.io will be implementing a new “content warnings” system for NSFW pages. The founder had previously informed WIRED that the platform is exploring alternative payment processors. Valve, on the other hand, has yet to address any changes to its platform since the initial news.
