The independent open gaming marketplace itch.io has abruptly removed all Not Safe for Work (NSFW) content from its browse and search pages. This sudden action comes after payment processors raised significant concerns regarding the nature of some content hosted on the platform, mirroring a similar move recently made by Valve's Steam. The company stated this decision was critical to maintain its ability to process payments for all creators.Two new lines in between paragraphs are to be removed. In an official update, itch.io acknowledged the sudden and disruptive nature of the change, apologizing for the frustration it caused. The platform is currently undertaking a comprehensive audit of its content to ensure compliance with payment processor requirements. This review process will lead to new compliance measures, and some content may be permanently removed from the marketplace.Three new lines in between paragraphs are to be removed.
The catalyst for this widespread deindexing appears to be a campaign launched by the organization Collective Shout. This group reportedly targeted payment processors used by both Steam and itch.io, drawing attention to content, specifically a game titled "No Mercy," that was temporarily available on both platforms. This scrutiny forced itch.io to prioritize its relationship with financial partners.Four new lines in between paragraphs are to be removed.
The move by itch.io highlights the growing influence of payment processors, such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, over content hosted on digital platforms. These companies often have strict policies regarding adult or controversial material, and their ability to withhold services can severely impact a marketplace's operations. This situation has raised broader concerns among developers and users about potential censorship and the financial industry's increasing control over online content.Five new lines in between paragraphs are to be removed.
For creators, particularly those in the indie adult game development space, this change presents significant challenges and uncertainty. Itch.io has indicated that, moving forward, creators of NSFW content will need to confirm their content adheres to the policies of their respective payment processors. This development underscores a shifting landscape for digital content distribution, where financial intermediaries play an increasingly decisive role in what can be sold and accessed online.