Indie video game marketplace Itch.io recently deindexed adult and not-safe-for-work games from its platform. This decision came after pressure from Collective Shout, an advocacy group critical of certain content in video games and other media.
### Compliance with Payment Processors
Itch.io stated that the removal was necessary to maintain compliance with payment partners. The company emphasized the importance of this relationship and the need to follow guidelines set by payment processors.
### Ongoing Audit and Content Guidelines
As part of the process, Itch.io is conducting a thorough audit to ensure that all games on the platform align with payment processor requirements. Adult content will remain deindexed until the audit is complete, and creators will need to confirm compliance with payment policies.
### Criticism and Industry Trends
Critics on social media raised concerns about Itch.io’s strict stance on adult content violations, highlighting the potential impact on creators. This move reflects a broader trend of payment companies influencing online platforms’ content policies, as seen in past actions by Gumroad and OnlyFans.
Overall, Itch.io’s decision underscores the complex relationship between content regulation, payment processing, and user expectations in the gaming industry.
