Video game creators are expressing concerns following actions by two major PC game platforms that have restricted access to thousands of games and digital artworks due to pressure from an Australian anti-porn advocacy group. Collective Shout successfully influenced payment networks to halt financial transactions on Steam and Itch.io until games with specific content were removed.
Developers argue that the impact extends beyond games with explicit sexual content. Games like a teen-rated romantic comedy and 2SLGBTQ+-themed titles by Robert Yang are also affected, as well as a 1920s alternate-history art book without sexual content.
Toronto-based game developer Adrienne Bazir raised alarms, noting that even innocent depictions like queer individuals holding hands are deemed not safe for work. Canadian game developers and industry observers emphasize the influence of global financial institutions in dictating acceptable artistic content, often pushing 2SLGBTQ+ narratives into obscurity.
In July, Collective Shout accused Steam and Itch of hosting games with inappropriate content like rape and incest. Subsequently, Steam removed numerous games with adult themes, citing compliance with payment processors’ rules. Itch also deindexed all NSFW-tagged content, significantly reducing visibility.
Itch’s creator, Leaf Corcoran, mentioned undergoing content audits to align with payment processors’ requirements. Concerns arose as payment processors like Stripe and PayPal emphasized restricting adult content transactions. Mastercard clarified its stance on lawful purchases, highlighting the need for adequate controls to prevent illegal activities.
The advocacy group Collective Shout emphasized concerns about the sexualization of women and girls, prompting actions against certain gaming content. However, critics argue that legitimate sexual content is unfairly targeted, limiting diverse sexual expression. Payment processors’ vague guidelines on high-risk content categories add to the confusion, potentially stifling creative freedom.
Affected developers and supporters are mobilizing against the restrictions, initiating campaigns to urge payment processors to reconsider their decisions. The pushback aims to challenge the influence of advocacy groups and financial institutions on artistic expression in the gaming industry.