Itch.io Removes Adult Content Following Payment Processor Scrutiny

The indie game platform itch.io has removed all adult NSFW content from its browse and search pages due to pressure from its payment processors. This decision was made after the organization Collective Shout launched a campaign against Steam and itch.io, prompting payment processors to reevaluate the nature of certain content on both platforms. Itch.io's creator, leafo, announced the change in a post titled 'Update on NSFW content,' stating that the platform had to act swiftly to prioritize its relationship with payment partners and ensure compliance. The platform is now conducting a comprehensive audit of content and will introduce new compliance measures, including a step where creators must confirm that their content meets the policies of the respective payment processors. Some pages will be permanently removed from itch.io, and affected accounts will be notified via email. This decision follows Valve's introduction of new guidelines on what content should not be published on Steam, which includes certain kinds of adult-only content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam's payment processors and related card networks and banks.