Major Games Under Threat from Payment Processors
Digital game storefronts, including platforms like Steam and Itch.io, have recently faced increasing pressure from payment systems. The push has been to remove games deemed 'adult' from their catalogs. However, a new revelation suggests that far more popular and mainstream titles could also be at risk.
According to a statement from DRM-free platform ZOOM Platform to GamingOnLinux, well-known franchises such as Grand Theft Auto, Duke Nukem, and Saints Row have been identified as 'problematic' in discussions with payment operators.
ZOOM Platform has firmly stated its commitment to not remove any games and is actively working to prevent any forced delistings. To circumvent potential issues with external transactions, the platform is implementing alternative payment solutions. These include an internal wallet system, allowing users to pre-load funds and make purchases without direct ties to external payment systems that may raise flags. Additionally, they have introduced optional two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced account security.
In their statement, the ZOOM Platform team elaborated: "As you are probably aware, there have been many incidents of adult games being removed from the industry. One of our payment operators informed us that ‘one of the industry participants’ expressed concern about our content. After this, we immediately began lengthy discussions with PayPal and Stripe. Together with our contacts at these companies, we developed a three-way solution to simultaneously protect freedom of speech and expression, and ensure the safety of our customers and partners."
They added: "We have added optional Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to provide additional protection for accounts. This feature can be enabled in your account settings. Many of our users have reported difficulties when trying to make a purchase using current payment systems. Due to this, we are exploring alternative payment options. The first of these solutions is an internal wallet. With its help, you can top up your balance in advance and use these funds to purchase any of our products. We do not plan to remove any games and will do everything possible to prevent forced removals. We have always been and remain strong advocates of creative freedom."
The pressure on digital platforms largely stems from the Australian organization Collective Shout. Founded in 2009 by activist Melinda Tankard Reist, this group advocates against the sexualization of women in media. Notably, Collective Shout was instrumental in pushing for the removal of Grand Theft Auto V from Australian retail in 2014, arguing that the game "encouraged the murder of women for entertainment." Their targets have also included titles like Detroit: Become Human, citing concerns about "violence against children and women."
The fact that payment systems are now reportedly acting on signals from groups like Collective Shout has heightened industry-wide anxiety. This situation suggests that not only overtly 'adult' games but also any projects with 'uncomfortable' or controversial themes could be vulnerable. While indie developers might find themselves largely defenseless against such pressures, larger publishers like Take-Two (publisher of Grand Theft Auto) possess the legal means to challenge these actions. Nevertheless, the very existence of such pressure raises serious questions about the guaranteed freedom of creative expression within digital game distribution.
What This Means for Players
For gamers, this news highlights a growing concern over content availability and the future of digital storefronts. As payment processors wield significant influence, the decisions made by organizations like Collective Shout could directly impact which games remain accessible. Platforms like ZOOM Platform and GOG (which also recently made adult games temporarily free in protest) are fighting to preserve creative freedom and player choice. This ongoing struggle underscores the importance of supporting platforms that champion a diverse range of games, ensuring that beloved titles – and new ones – remain available for everyone.
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