Why Itch io Is Removing Adult Games and What It Means for Indie Developers

Itch io is a popular website where indie game creators share and sell their games. Recently, Itch io started removing adult games from its search and browse pages. This big change happened because companies like Visa and Mastercard, who handle credit card payments, put pressure on the platform to stop selling adult content. These payment companies have done the same thing to other game stores like Steam in the past.

The reason for this pressure is that adult content can sometimes be connected to scams or illegal activities, which cost banks money. Some adult websites have even been caught showing illegal or harmful material. Instead of carefully checking each game, payment companies often ask platforms to completely remove all adult content. This helps the companies avoid problems, but it also affects many games that are not dangerous or illegal.

Due to this, Itch io announced that it will hide all adult games from its main pages and might even remove some completely. Creators now must prove that their games follow the payment companies' rules if they want to keep selling them on Itch io. Some well-known indie games, like Consume Me, which talks honestly about tough issues like eating disorders and gender pressure, have already been affected by these rules.

Groups like Collective Shout, which are against adult content, have pushed credit card companies to act. Their complaints focus on stopping harmful games, but the result is that many creative and important games by marginalized creators can get removed as well. For example, games exploring queer history or deep personal struggles have also been caught in the crackdown.

This situation raises important questions. Should banks and credit card companies have so much control over what digital art and stories people can access or sell? While protecting people from harmful content is important, these broad bans can silence unique voices and important stories. It is a tough topic, but one that affects both artists and players all over the world.

Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/itch-io-latest-in-platforms-pressured-by-credit-card-companies-as-well-as-activist-group-collective-shout-which-has-successfully-caught-an-award-winning-indie-and-more-in-the-crossfire/