Itch.io Deindexes Adult Games Under Payment Processor Pressure; Audit Underway
Itch.io Deindexes Adult Games Under Payment Processor Pressure; Audit Underway
Indie video game marketplace Itch.io has announced a significant policy shift this week, deindexing all adult and not-safe-for-work (NSFW) games from its browse and search pages. This immediate action was taken to prioritize its relationship with payment partners and ensure compliance with their requirements, following a campaign by advocacy group Collective Shout.
The move mirrors a similar decision by Steam earlier this month, both platforms responding to pressure concerning controversial content. Itch.io revealed that a specific title, “No Mercy,” which had been temporarily available before being banned in April, was a catalyst for the urgent policy change to protect its core payment infrastructure.
Currently, Itch.io is conducting a comprehensive audit to ensure all content on the platform meets payment processor standards. Adult content will remain deindexed until this audit is complete. Post-audit, NSFW game creators will be required to confirm their content adheres to the policies of their associated payment processors.
The decision has ignited debate among developers, particularly regarding Itch.io’s terms, which state that funds in accounts found violating rules may be forfeited entirely. This incident highlights an ongoing trend where payment companies exert influence over content moderation on online platforms, a pattern previously seen with Gumroad and OnlyFans. A Change.org petition, with over 137,000 signatures, continues to challenge payment companies on their role in censoring legal fictional content.
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