Itch.io is the latest marketplace to crack down on adult games
9 months ago
- #payment-processors
- #censorship
- #gaming
- Itch.io has deindexed adult and NSFW games from its browse and search pages.
- The decision was influenced by a campaign by Collective Shout, targeting games depicting sexual violence.
- Collective Shout criticized payment processors like PayPal, Mastercard, and Visa for facilitating transactions for such games.
- Steam and Itch.io responded by banning games violating payment processor standards.
- Itch.io is conducting a comprehensive audit to ensure compliance with payment processor policies.
- NSFW creators on Itch.io will need to confirm their content aligns with payment processor policies post-audit.
- Critics highlight Itch.io's strict penalties for violations, including withholding all earnings from creators.
- Payment processors have previously pressured platforms like Gumroad and OnlyFans over adult content.
- A Change.org petition with over 137,000 signatures demands payment companies stop censoring legal fictional content.