itch.io Restores Free Adult Games, Paid Content to Follow Slowly
Indie game storefront itch.io has begun re-indexing free 18+ (NSFW) games following a sudden removal of such content from its search results. This initial restoration only applies to free titles, while paid adult games will be brought back gradually to ensure long-term stability and compliance with payment service guidelines.
The platform faced significant pressure from payment processors, leading to the abrupt delisting of adult content. Since free projects don't require an 'Add to Cart' or 'Pay' button, they were the first in line for re-inclusion. Paid games will return more slowly as itch.io works to navigate the complex rules set by financial services.
Currently, itch.io is developing a new system that will feature specific warnings to notify users about 18+ content. Developers will need to provide relevant information about their projects to ensure they remain visible in search results once this system is in place.
Payment Processor Challenges and Industry Response
According to itch.io founder Leaf Corcoran, the platform is still in talks with payment systems following a thorough review of adult content. Stripe, a payment processor that has partnered with itch.io for over a decade, confirmed that it cannot support adult content created “for sexual gratification.” Stripe explained that despite general allowances for adult content (when properly categorized), current restrictions imposed by their banking partners prevent them from processing payments for sexually explicit material.
Last week, itch.io disabled Stripe payments on pages featuring NSFW content and is now actively communicating with other payment services to transfer operations that Stripe can no longer handle. This situation highlights a broader issue affecting digital platforms that host adult content, as payment processors often act as gatekeepers based on their own policies and those of their banking partners.
In response to this trend, the Japanese Association for Freedom in Entertainment Industry (AFEE) released a statement addressing the recent wave of adult game removals from digital platforms, including Steam and itch.io. The organization voiced strong support for platforms and urged them not to succumb to external pressure from activist groups and payment systems.
AFEE emphasized the importance of platforms like Steam and itch.io making efforts to protect content, deeming it vital for cultural diversity, especially in the face of growing moral pressure that lacks legal basis. The association believes that blocking legally permissible content harms both creators, who lose income and face stigma, and users, who lose access to diverse works. AFEE advocates for transparent dialogue with users, avoidance of policy changes driven by mass censorship, and the implementation of regional access rules, such as age restrictions or country-specific tags, to comply with local laws.
What This Means for Players and Developers
The re-indexing of free 18+ games on itch.io is a cautious step towards restoring content accessibility. While it signals a commitment to supporting a wide range of creators, the ongoing negotiations with payment processors mean that the landscape for adult content on digital storefronts remains challenging. Players can expect a slower return of paid adult titles, accompanied by new warning systems. Developers of adult games will need to adapt to these new policies to ensure their projects remain available to their audience.
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