Itch.io "re-indexes" free adult NSFW content, with paid content to be "slowly" reintroduced

Itch.io has embarked on a process to "re-index" adult-themed content available for free on its platform and aims to bring back paid adult content over time. This move is part of an effort to support a diverse range of creators sustainably.

The platform's founder, leafo, shared an update on August 1. It explained that discussions with payment processors are ongoing, stemming from a recent "scrutiny" about the site's adult offerings.

This scrutiny led to the temporary removal of NSFW content from its browsing and search functions the previous week. Additionally, new guidelines were implemented to align with terms set by payment processors.

Itch.io is not alone in facing these challenges; Valve has also restricted adult content on its Steam platform by removing NSFW games and revising its content guidelines.

Leafo outlined that developers need to set their projects as free by selecting the No Payments option in the Pricing section of their project's edit page to be part of the re-indexing.

Itch.io is also introducing a new content warning system for adult pages. Page owners must complete this, with a deadline set for those previously indexed.

In a related development, leafo shared a statement from Stripe, one of Itch.io's payment processors. Stripe noted its current inability to support "content designed for sexual gratification" due to restrictions from its banking partners, though card networks generally allow adult content with the right registrations.

Stripe expressed the hope to enable support for adult content in the future.

The post further indicates that Itch.io is exploring different payment processors that might accommodate adult content, and will assess pages that had payment options suspended for possible re-introduction.