Itch.io has removed adult content from its search and browse pages, citing concerns from payment processors following scrutiny similar to that faced by Steam. The platform's creator stated that ensuring the ability to process payments is essential for all developers. Adult titles are prominent sales on Itch.io, yet creators were not warned before the decision was made. Clarification regarding access to pre-update purchases remains unclear. This situation reflects broader issues within gaming platforms regarding payment provider restrictions and user backlash reminiscent of Tumblr's content policy changes.
"Our ability to process payments is critical for every creator on our platform," said Corcoran. "To ensure that we can continue to operate and provide a marketplace for all developers, we must prioritize our relationship with our payment partners and take immediate steps towards compliance."
While Itch.io hosts a variety of gaming content, adult and pornographic titles are often among the top-sellers on the platform. Content creators who host their work on Itch.io were given no warning ahead of the decision."
Credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard have rules that restrict some kinds of illegal and NSFW content. Steam similarly purged some adult titles last week after quietly changing its policy guidelines to ban any content that might violate rules set by the platform's payment providers and card networks.
Backlash against both gaming platforms online has likened the situation to Tumblr banning pornographic content in 2018, a decision that Matt Mullenweg, CEO of Tumblr's parent company, Automattic, attributed to pressure from credit card companies, and is widely believed to have driven many users away from the platform.
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