Crackdown on Adult Content: Understanding the Recent Changes on Steam and itch.io

The situation has unfolded rapidly, with game developers waking up to a more censorious environment than they are accustomed to. The rise of digital distribution has allowed creators to dictate the content of their games, largely unchallenged by retailers, but recent events have seen Steam remove hundreds of games and change its rules to forbid certain types of adult content. Itch.io has also announced that NSFW games will be unfindable via its store's search function, citing the need to protect its core payment infrastructure. The move has been attributed to a campaign by the pressure group Collective Shout, which has targeted games featuring rape, incest, or child sexual abuse on Steam and itch.io. Payment processors have been quick to respond, with companies like Mastercard and PayPal exerting significant influence over the types of content that can be hosted on platforms. The logos of these payment processors are seen as a seal of approval, enabling users to feel safe, and their absence can delegitimize an online store in the mind of a potential buyer. However, this has also raised concerns about the potential for censorship and the impact on artistic expression, with many game developers feeling that the new rules and removals will have a chilling effect on the industry. Unless Steam and itch.io can provide clear guidelines on what is and isn't acceptable, it seems likely that the crackdowns will cause teams and individual creators to self-censor, fearing that their games will never become a viable commercial prospect. The issue has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that payment processors should not be involved in moral arbitration, while others see it as a necessary step to protect users and maintain a safe online environment. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the gaming industry will respond and adapt to the changing landscape.