Crypto Payment Debate Ignites as Steam and Itch.io Remove Adult Games Under Financial Pressure
The gaming industry faces a critical moment as payment giants pressure platforms like Steam and Itch.io to remove adult games, sparking a heated debate about crypto payment alternatives and financial censorship. Could decentralized systems offer a way out?
Why Are Adult Games Being Removed from Steam and Itch.io?
Advocacy group Collective Shout successfully pressured payment processors like Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa to enforce content restrictions, leading to the delisting of games with sensitive themes. However, the removals also impacted unrelated queer-themed works, raising concerns about overreach.
Crypto Payment Solutions: A Censorship-Resistant Alternative?
Blockchain-based payment systems could reduce reliance on traditional processors, but many crypto solutions still retain centralized elements. Key challenges include:
- Centralized stablecoin issuers (e.g., Tether) remain vulnerable to legal pressure
- Platforms like Coinbase Commerce may still enforce restrictions
- Regulatory hurdles for truly decentralized alternatives
How Does This Impact Marginalized Game Developers?
LGBTQ+ creators report shadowbanning of non-explicit content, threatening creative freedom. Therapist Moraya Seeger DeGeare warns that gaming serves as a vital safe space for queer individuals, and censorship may increase isolation.
Historical Precedents: From OnlyFans to Gaming
Payment processors have previously shaped content policies on platforms like OnlyFans and PornHub. The gaming industry now faces similar dilemmas:
| Platform | Impact |
|---|---|
| OnlyFans | Nearly banned adult content in 2021 before reversing course |
| PornHub | Removed millions of videos after Visa/Mastercard restrictions |
Will Decentralized Gaming Ecosystems Prevail?
While crypto payments offer potential solutions, widespread adoption faces technical and regulatory challenges. The outcome will determine whether decentralized systems can truly protect creative freedom or remain subject to traditional pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are payment processors targeting adult games?
A: Advocacy groups pressure them to restrict content they deem harmful, using financial leverage.
Q: Can crypto payments completely avoid censorship?
A: Not entirely – many crypto solutions still have centralized elements vulnerable to pressure.
Q: How are queer developers affected?
A: Broad removals often disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ content, even when non-explicit.
Q: What historical examples show similar patterns?
A: OnlyFans’ 2021 near-ban and PornHub’s mass removals demonstrate payment processor influence.
