itch.io Cracks Down on Adult Games - New Marketplace Rules

Itch.io Deindexes Adult Games Following Pressure

The independent video game marketplace, Itch.io, recently announced the removal of adult and not-safe-for-work (NSFW) games from its browsing and search functionalities. This action, termed “deindexing,” was implemented this week.

Response to Advocacy Group Campaign

This decision stems from a campaign initiated by Collective Shout, an advocacy organization. The group has previously voiced concerns regarding content in video games, rap music, and advertising. Their focus was on both Itch.io and Steam due to the availability of a game titled “No Mercy,” which portrays sensitive and disturbing themes.

Concerns Raised by Collective Shout

Collective Shout addressed an open letter to executives at major payment processing companies, including PayPal, Mastercard, and Visa. They argued that games depicting the sexualized abuse and torture of women and girls contradict efforts to combat violence against women.

The organization further stated that facilitating financial transactions for such content is inconsistent with the stated values and mission statements of these financial institutions.

Steam's Prior Action

Earlier this month, Steam announced it would prohibit games that potentially breach the regulations and guidelines established by its payment processors, card networks, banks, and internet service providers. This action preceded Itch.io’s announcement.

Itch.io's Justification

Itch.io explained that maintaining its operational capacity and serving as a marketplace for developers necessitates prioritizing its relationships with payment partners. Therefore, immediate compliance measures were deemed essential.

The company clarified that “No Mercy” was briefly available on the platform before being removed in April. The situation escalated quickly, requiring urgent action to safeguard the platform’s payment infrastructure, without prior notification to content creators.

Ongoing Audit and Future Requirements

Currently, Itch.io is undertaking a “comprehensive audit” to verify that all games on the marketplace adhere to the requirements of its payment processors. Adult content will remain deindexed throughout this audit period.

Following the audit, creators of NSFW content will be obligated to confirm that their material complies with the policies of the payment processors linked to their accounts.

Criticism and Financial Concerns

Users on social media have criticized Itch.io’s decision, highlighting that its terms of service stipulate that violations regarding adult content result in “permanent” bans with no appeal process.

Furthermore, any funds held in an offending account are forfeited, encompassing all earnings from all previous work, as noted by one developer.

Precedent with Other Platforms

This situation mirrors previous instances where payment companies have exerted pressure on online platforms regarding adult content. For example, Gumroad cited payment processor restrictions when implementing stricter rules for NSFW art last year.

OnlyFans also initially banned explicit content, attributing the decision to its “banking partners and payment providers,” though this decision was later reversed.

Petition Against Payment Processor Influence

A Change.org petition, garnering over 137,000 verified signatures, criticizes Mastercard and Visa for their involvement in these types of decisions.

The petition calls for the payment companies to cease censoring legal fictional content that adheres to both legal standards and platform guidelines. It also urges them to resist influence from activist groups that promote unwarranted alarm or misrepresent fiction as actual harm.