Itch.io has announced updated guidelines regarding adult content in response to pressure from payment service providers
Itch.io has unveiled new guidelines for adult content in response to the recent removal of its NSFW material from search and browsing functions. This decision came after the company faced pressures from its payment processors.
Recently, the indie game platform took the step to remove access to NSFW adult content from its platform due to intense scrutiny from companies handling its transactions.
In its Creator FAQ, Itch.io has now detailed updated standards specifically addressing compliance with payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Payoneer, as reported by Game Developer.
Violating these terms also means any funds in a developer's account will be ineligible for payment
Under its adult content policy, Itch.io specifies that hosting materials involving real human depictions of a sexual nature is prohibited. While fictional, illustrated, and rendered images are permissible within legal boundaries, AI-generated images that mimic real human appearances are barred.
Content that promotes sexual violence is strictly rejected, and any portrayals involving minors in sexual settings can result in permanent account suspension. Furthermore, any policy breach may result in forfeiture of funds held in the developer's account, as there are no appeals once administrative actions commence.
The company also lists unacceptable subjects like "bestiality," "incest," and "revenge porn," reflecting terms set by its payment facilitators.
Itch.io states, "Developers who violate these terms after monetary collection might have pending transactions delayed or reversed."
This pressure has seemingly come from a campaign by Australian organization Collective Shout
Similar actions have been seen by Valve, which, amid pressures from payment companies, has issued guidelines concerning prohibited NSFW content on Steam.
A campaign spearheaded by the Australian group Collective Shout focused on encouraging payment services to halt transactions on gaming sites offering content themed around unacceptable topics like rape and child abuse. An open letter was addressed to CEOs of major payment outfits asking for proactive measures.
As reported by Eurogamer, Collective Shout took responsibility for the adult game removals from Itch.io and Steam, clarifying their position in a July 28 Facebook statement. The group initiated contact with payment processors after Steam did not address their submissions and requested the elimination of certain contentious games on both platforms.
Meanwhile, the UK games industry association UKIE commented on the removal, emphasizing that both payment services and platform providers ought to rely on established age-rating systems and their enforcement.