The International Game Developers Association expresses deep concern over the recent strict measures against NSFW games

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has expressed deep concern over the recent removal and obscuring of adult games on platforms like itch.io and Steam. The organization issued a statement on July 29, urging for "greater transparency and fairness" in the moderation of adult content by major digital distribution services.

The IGDA's response comes in light of adult game content being delisted following pressures from payment processors. This move is believed to stem from an initiative by the Australian group Collective Shout, which, through an open letter, urged five leading payment firms to cut services to platforms hosting games with themes of rape, incest, and child sexual abuse.

As a result of the scrutiny, itch.io has removed adult content from its main pages and adjusted its guidelines to meet the terms set by its payment providers. Similarly, Valve has enacted stricter rules on Steam, leading to the removal of numerous NSFW titles.

The IGDA argues that the enforcement of these policies is "vague or overly cautious" and might unduly target consensual adult content, potentially silencing developers, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. The organization noted that content removal often occurs without proper communication, affecting those producing legal and ethical work, especially among marginalized creators.

These actions, often set by financial institutions with little public accountability, affect the kind of stories conveyed through games, according to IGDA. They underscored the need for "proportionate, informed, and transparent enforcement" to support developers dedicated to creating legal and ethically-made games. Artistic works in games, including themes of intimacy and identity, deserve fair evaluation and should not be dismissed due to external pressures.