GTA may be removed from online stores

Titles like GTA and Saints Row may vanish from online stores amid payment provider actions against adult content.

GTA faces removal from stores in crackdown on adult games

A warning has surfaced from a video game retailer that popular titles like Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row could be removed from digital storefronts. This follows recent moves by payment providers such as Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa, which are increasing scrutiny of adult content in games. Platforms like Steam and Itch.io have already acted to remove certain adult-themed games from their catalogs. ZOOM Platform, a retro games retailer, expressed that these brands are now deemed 'potentially at risk' due to these payment processing rules. Negotiations took place to secure artistic freedom while ensuring compliance, leading ZOOM to enhance account security measures without planning to remove titles. Despite efforts to protect such games, concerns remain about the potential for greater censorship in the industry, particularly driven by social advocacy groups.

The current climate surrounding adult games reflects a broader trend towards censorship in video games. While titles like GTA and Saints Row have maintained popularity despite their mature content, they could easily fall victim to heightened scrutiny. The pressures from both payment processors and advocacy groups signal a tightening of standards that may lead to significant changes in what is deemed acceptable in gaming. As there is already a petition accumulating over 230,000 signatures against potential delistings, the significant public reaction suggests much at stake, not only for individual games but for the future landscape of video gaming as a whole.

Highlights

The fate of these iconic titles hangs in a delicate balance amid rising censorship efforts.