Itch.io has begun “re-indexing” free adult content and plans to re-introduce paid content gradually to ensure it can “confidently support the widest range of creators in the long term.”
Itchio’s creator, leafo, provided the update on August 1, stating that the indie games platform is still in “ongoing discussion” with its payment processors, following “scrutiny” regarding the site’s adult content.
This pressure led to the platform “deindexing” NSFW content from its browse and search pages last week and updating its adult content guidelines to adhere to the terms of its payment processors.
But, it’s not just itch.io feeling the pressure from payment processors; Valve, too, has cracked down on adult content, removing NSFW games from its platform and updating its guidelines on “what you shouldn’t publish on Steam.”
Itchio’s post goes on to explain that for developers to be eligible for re-indexing, they must make their project available for free by checking the No Payments box under the Pricing section of their project’s edit page.
According to leafo, itch.io plans to implement a new content warnings system for NFSW pages that all page owners will be “required to complete.” Those whose pages were previously indexed will have a time limit to complete this.
Leafo also provided a statement from one of itch.io’s payment processors, Stripe, and revealed that the company has confirmed it cannot support “content designed for sexual gratification” on the platform.
“Stripe is currently unable to support sexually explicit content due to restrictions placed on them by their banking partners, despite card networks generally supporting adult content (with the appropriate registrations),” Stripe said in a statement to itch.io users.
“Stripe has indicated that they hope to be able to support adult content in the future.”
According to leafo’s post, the platform is exploring alternative payment processors that will support adult content.
Its creator also said that, following this definition from Stripe, itch.io will review pages identified as having adult NSFW content (and had payments halted) for “potential re-introduction.”