Itch.io Joins Steam in Restricting Adult Game Content
Following in the footsteps of Steam, the indie game marketplace itch.io has begun removing adult-oriented games from its platform. This move comes as both digital storefronts face significant pressure from payment processing companies, influenced by activist groups. The core issue revolves around maintaining compliance with card payment system standards, which are essential for any online platform's operation.
Reports of adult game titles disappearing from search results on itch.io began circulating recently. On July 24, Leaf Corcoran, the creator of itch.io (known as leafo), issued an official statement. He confirmed that all NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content had been pulled from search results, and some mature-rated games would be permanently removed from the store.
The Role of Collective Shout and 'No Mercy'
Corcoran explained that these drastic measures were a direct response to a campaign orchestrated by the organization Collective Shout. This group has been actively targeting both Steam and itch.io, drawing the attention of payment systems to the nature of content hosted on these platforms. A specific game, 'No Mercy,' served as a key catalyst for these investigations. Its developers had advertised the ability for players to 'become any woman's worst nightmare' and featured scenes depicting sexual violence and incest. The game garnered widespread criticism, with many demanding its removal from both Steam and itch.io. While itch.io removed 'No Mercy' in April 2025 (sic, likely a typo in original text, probably meant 2024), it remained on Steam for longer.
Due to this pressure from Collective Shout, including an open letter on July 11 demanding payment systems cease support for platforms hosting explicit games, itch.io felt compelled to act. Corcoran emphasized the critical importance of payment processing for all creators on their platform. To ensure continued operation and provide a space for developers, it was necessary to prioritize relationships with payment partners and immediately comply with their requirements. He stated:
"This is a critical moment for itch.io. The situation developed rapidly, and we had to take urgent action to protect the platform's core payment system. Unfortunately, we were unable to provide authors with prior notice of this change. We understand this is not the ideal scenario, and we apologize for the suddenness."
— Leaf Corcoran
Valve issued a similar statement to the media, indicating that they too had to pull certain games to preserve their payment methods. "The loss of payment services would prevent consumers from purchasing other games on Steam," a company representative said.
Future Measures and Community Reaction
Itch.io has now initiated a "comprehensive content audit" to bring its content in line with payment system requirements. Until this process concludes, NSFW games will not appear in search results. Following the audit, new measures will be implemented, requiring adult game developers to confirm that their titles do not violate payment system standards. Projects that fail this review will be permanently removed from itch.io, and their creators will receive notification.
"We ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult period," Corcoran wrote, highlighting that the company itself is still navigating the full scope of the situation.
The news has understandably frustrated many users, with some urging that anger be directed not at the platforms, but at the payment systems and Collective Shout for instigating these changes. As insider Dusk Golem, founder of Yai Gameworks, commented, "wealthy puritans" with lobbying power within companies like Visa and Mastercard are actively pushing for censorship in games. This situation underscores the growing influence of payment processors in dictating content standards across digital storefronts, impacting the availability of certain types of games for players worldwide.
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