In a recent statement to PC Gamer, Valve confirmed the removal of several adult-themed games from its Steam storefront, a decision influenced by the concerns of payment processors. Valve acknowledged, “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.”
Steam’s New Regulations
This development aligns with the introduction of new regulations in Steam’s documentation, which explicitly forbids content that could potentially upset payment processors. While some adult-themed games remain available, the recent removals suggest a cautious approach by Valve in response to processor sensitivities.
Interestingly, the simultaneous delisting of a game titled Trials of Innocence, reminiscent of the Phoenix Wright series, has sparked speculation. Although it vanished alongside the adult content, the developers clarified that its removal was due to a DMCA claim, not the new regulations. This incident highlights the complexities surrounding content moderation on digital platforms.
Payment processors have historically been wary of adult content due to its association with scams and chargebacks. The fallout from past incidents, such as the controversy involving PornHub and the hosting of non-consenting content, has left processors particularly jittery. As a result, even animated adult content on platforms like Steam faces scrutiny.
This situation raises questions about the influence of payment processors on content availability. As consumers, the idea of Mastercard or similar entities dictating our purchasing options on platforms like Steam feels disconcerting. The ongoing tension between content creators, platforms, and payment processors continues to shape the landscape of digital commerce.
