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July 28.2025

2 Minutes Read

Itch.io's Adult Games Crackdown: A Reflection on Gaming Ethics

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Itch.io Cracks Down on Adult Gaming Content

In a significant move this week, Itch.io, the indie video game marketplace, announced it has "deindexed" adult games from its platform amid growing pressures from advocacy groups. This decision came in the wake of a campaign led by Collective Shout, which criticized the platform for allowing games like "No Mercy"—known for its graphic depictions of violence against women and girls.

Why the Change?

The backlash against Itch.io and fellow marketplace Steam intensified, prompting these platforms to reevaluate their listings. Collective Shout articulated its concerns in a letter to major payment processors such as PayPal and Visa, asserting that facilitating transactions for these games contradicts the stated values of these corporations in combating sexual violence.

Compliance and Audits: Itch.io's Future Steps

In its response, Itch.io emphasized the necessity of maintaining a viable relationship with payment partners, stating, "To ensure that we can continue to operate and provide a marketplace for all developers, we must prioritize our relationship with our payment partners and take immediate steps towards compliance."

The platform has undertaken a comprehensive audit to verify that all games listed adhere to payment processors' standards. Until this audit is concluded, entries featuring adult content will remain removed from visibility. This move reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, mirroring actions taken by Steam earlier this month and emphasizing the increasing scrutiny on gaming content related to sexual violence.

Implications for Developers and Gamers

This shift raises significant questions for game developers, especially in the indie sector, about the future of adult-themed content in digital marketplaces. As platforms tighten their guidelines, creators of adult games may face challenges in finding avenues for distribution while balancing compliance with their artistic intentions.

The Ongoing Conversation

As discussions around violence against women and ethical gaming practices escalate, Itch.io’s decision highlights a pivotal moment for the industry. The need to align with corporate values while honoring artistic freedoms will continue to play a central role in shaping the landscape for developers who push the boundaries of conventional gaming.

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Itch.io's Adult Games Crackdown: A Reflection on Gaming Ethics

Itch.io Cracks Down on Adult Gaming Content

Why the Change?

Compliance and Audits: Itch.io's Future Steps

Implications for Developers and Gamers

The Ongoing Conversation

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