Itch.io Cracks Down on Adult Games Amid Payment Processor Pressure
In a significant move, indie game marketplace Itch.io has announced it will no longer feature adult and not-safe-for-work (NSFW) games on its browse and search pages. This decision comes after a campaign by Collective Shout, an advocacy group focused on combatting what it calls the “sexualization of women and girls” in media.
The controversy began when Collective Shout targeted both Itch.io and Steam for offering “No Mercy,” a game that depicts rape and incest. In a letter to major payment processors like PayPal, Mastercard, and Visa, the group criticized these platforms for facilitating transactions related to such content, accusing them of endorsing harmful behaviors.
In response to the mounting pressure, Itch.io took action to “deindex” adult content from its platform, claiming it was necessary to comply with its payment partners’ rules. The company clarified that “No Mercy” had been temporarily available but was banned in April 2025. However, Itch.io stated that the decision to remove adult content entirely was driven by its need to maintain operational relationships with its payment partners.
Itch.io further explained that a comprehensive audit would be conducted to ensure compliance with the policies of its payment processors. During this process, adult content creators will be required to confirm that their content aligns with the guidelines set by these processors.
The crackdown has sparked backlash from the gaming community. Many developers and users argue that platforms like Itch.io should not bow to pressure from activist groups and payment companies, especially when the content complies with legal and platform standards. Some users have raised concerns about the impact this decision will have on the artistic freedom of game creators, especially in niche genres.
This isn’t the first instance of payment companies influencing content decisions on platforms. Similar actions were seen last year when Gumroad and OnlyFans implemented stricter rules for NSFW content due to pressure from financial institutions.
The debate surrounding the censorship of adult content in the gaming industry continues to intensify, with a petition gaining over 137,000 signatures calling for payment processors to stop censoring legal, fictional content. As Itch.io and other platforms navigate these complexities, the future of adult content in gaming remains uncertain.
