Popular gaming platforms such as Steam and Itch.io are facing mounting pressure from payment processors and advocacy groups to restrict adult content. Developers say this pressure has already led to delisted games and disrupted payment options.
This month, Steam users reported being unable to use PayPal as a payment method. That change follows a broader trend from earlier in the summer, when Valve removed numerous NSFW titles in July after scrutiny from credit card companies.
In a statement provided to PC Gamer, Valve said, "We were recently notified that certain games on Steam may violate the rules and standards set forth by our payment processors and their related card networks and banks. As a result, we are retiring those games from being sold on the Steam Store." The game development and distribution company also added that they were removing the adult content, "because loss of payment methods would prevent customers from being able to purchase other titles and game content on Steam."
The heightened focus on adult games comes at the same time as broader efforts to enforce age verification on platforms like YouTube and Pornhub, and gamers are worried about what this might mean for upcoming releases such as Grand Theft Auto VI.
"Never thought I’d be alive to see this sort of censorship. Even if it’s just an attempt," said one user on Reddit. Someone else commented, "The fact we can’t buy whatever we want with OUR money that WE EARNED is crazy."
Fans didn't hesitate to share their concern about what this might mean for their favorite games.
"Baldur’s Gate 3, Witcher series, Cyberpunk, anything with any sort of mature content is bound to be delisted if they don’t sort this out quick," another Redditor said. "Why aren't these payment processors going after tv shows, movies, and books that are for adults?" another person asked, while someone replied, "Just haven't gotten round to them yet. Ban games and the rest is easy comparatively."
Despite Valve sharing that they removed multiple titles due to payment processing giants and credit card companies, Mastercard recently released a statement saying, "Mastercard has not evaluated any game or required restrictions of any activity on game creator sites and platforms, contrary to media reports and allegations."
Valve hit back, claiming it had attempted to resolve the issue directly with Mastercard before delisting the games, implying that the credit card company played at least an indirect role in the decision.
According to a Valve spokesperson via PC Gamer, Mastercard refused to engage with Valve directly and instead communicated through payment processors and their acquiring banks. These intermediaries relayed Mastercard’s concerns to Valve, which responded by pointing to its longstanding policy of only distributing games that are legal to sell.
Despite this, the payment processors rejected Valve’s position, citing Mastercard’s Rule 5.12.7—which addresses "illegal or brand-damaging transactions"—as the basis for their decision.
