Itch.io is curbing the sale of adult and NSFW content due to pressure from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard, resulting in the de-indexing of such content on the platform. The decision was made urgently to protect its core payment infrastructure, making prior notice to creators unrealistic. Similarly, Steam has enacted changes affecting sex games to comply with payment processors. Currently, itch.io is conducting an audit of games to ensure compliance with undefined requirements from payment processors, creating uncertainty among developers and fans.
"The situation developed rapidly, and we had to act urgently to protect the platform's core payment infrastructure," wrote itch.io creator Leaf Corcoran in a blog post. "Unfortunately, this meant it was not realistic to provide creators with advance notice before making this change. We know this is not ideal, and we apologize for the abruptness of this change."
Valve's representative stated that Steam enacted these changes due to payment processors, complying to avoid a loss of payment methods that would prevent customers from purchasing other titles.
Currently, itch.io is undergoing a comprehensive audit to examine potentially offending games to ensure that they meet the requirements set forth by payment processors.
Neither Valve nor itch.io shared any specifics on what exactly those requirements are - and the lack of clarity has proven contentious for game developers and fans alike.
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