Payment processor Mastercard denies responsibility for the removal of adult-themed games, while Valve claims Mastercard explicitly referenced a rule restricting brand damage as the reason for the action.
Mastercard's Indirect Role in Removal of Adult Games from Steam and Itch.io
In a recent turn of events, digital game storefronts Steam and Itch.io have removed certain Not Safe For Work (NSFW) games from their platforms. While Mastercard, the credit card network that powers transactions, has officially denied any direct involvement in this decision, its rules have indirectly played a part in the removal of adult content.
Mastercard, in a public statement, claims that it has not evaluated or required restrictions on any games or creator platforms. The company follows lawful standards that allow all legal purchases, and requires merchants to prevent unlawful purchases, including illegal adult content. However, Mastercard denies any involvement in censoring content on Steam or Itch.io [1][3].
Valve, the operator of Steam, explains that while Mastercard did not communicate directly with them, its rule on brand protection was cited by payment processors managing Mastercard transactions. Because payment processors rejected some adult content citing Mastercard’s guidelines, Steam had to create new content restrictions and remove some NSFW games to maintain payment operations [2].
Itch.io, another digital game storefront, faced similar pressures through their payment processors. After receiving pressure from advocacy groups like Collective Shout, Itch.io temporarily deindexed all NSFW games. However, they later began reindexing free NSFW games and seeking to work with payment partners more comfortable with adult content [1][4].
The involvement of payment processors, influenced by credit card network rules, has led to increased censorship or self-censorship of adult content on major digital game storefronts. Platforms depend on payment processors to operate, which effectively places significant control over the availability of certain content types in the hands of these financial middlemen [1].
This dynamic has sparked industry debate and backlash, with some platforms and campaigns opposing censorship and advocating for more open access to adult PC games. The controversy highlights difficulties for indie and adult games developers who rely on major payment networks and digital distribution platforms to reach audiences while navigating opaque content guidelines influenced by external forces [1].
Andy Chalk, a gaming journalist who has been writing about videogames since 2007, covers all aspects of the industry. In a recent article, Chalk discusses the challenges faced by developers in the current landscape, and the ongoing debate surrounding the role of payment processors and credit card networks in content moderation [5].
In summary, while Mastercard denies direct involvement in removing NSFW games, its brand protection rules and the resulting payment processor policies have indirectly led to the restriction and removal of adult games on Steam and Itch.io, causing significant effects on how adult content is distributed and monetized in the gaming industry [1][2][3][4].
References:
- The Verge
- Valve Developer Community
- Mastercard's Statement
- Itch.io's Statement
- Gamasutra
- Despite Mastercard's denial of direct involvement, its rules on brand protection have had an indirect impact on the removal of adult games from Steam and Itch.io.
- Payment processors managing Mastercard transactions cited these rules, leading Steam to implement new content restrictions and remove NSFW games to maintain payment operations.
- Itch.io faced similar pressures from payment processors, causing them to temporarily deindex NSFW games.
- The involvement of payment processors, influenced by credit card network rules, has led to increased censorship or self-censorship of adult content on major digital game storefronts.
- The controversy highlights difficulties for indie and adult games developers who rely on major payment networks and digital distribution platforms to reach audiences while navigating opaque content guidelines influenced by external forces.
- Gaming journalist Andy Chalk is currently discussing these challenges faced by developers and the ongoing debate surrounding the role of payment processors and credit card networks in content moderation.
- This dynamic has sparked industry debate and backlash, with some platforms and campaigns opposing censorship and advocating for more open access to adult PC games, as well as discussions on social-media, general-news, crime-and-justice, and entertainment platforms.
