Mastercard denies pressure to restrict games on Steam

The ongoing situation reveals tensions between payment processors and game distribution platforms.

Mastercard denies enforcing game restrictions while Valve claims otherwise

As the gaming industry faces growing scrutiny over adult content, Mastercard has insisted it does not require restrictions on any game on platforms like Steam and Itch.io. However, Valve countered this by stating that Mastercard’s rules have pressured them into limiting the distribution of certain adult games. Last month, Valve introduced new guidelines aimed at preventing specific types of adult content due to demands from payment processors, stating such moves are essential for their operations. Meanwhile, Itch.io, under similar pressures, began removing NSFW games but has since started reindexing some free titles while searching for supportive payment processors. Industry groups are now voicing concerns about payment processor influence over game content, highlighting a broader issue of censorship in the gaming world.

This dispute sheds light on the ongoing tensions between financial institutions and content creators. The ambiguity in Mastercard’s rules offers significant leeway for interpretation, allowing companies to withdraw services based on subjective criteria. As game platforms strive to promote diverse content, the influence of payment processors raises questions about who truly controls what can and cannot be sold. This ongoing struggle may lead to further efforts within the gaming community to push back against perceived censorship.

Highlights

As the situation evolves, the broader implications for game content and financial policy will continue to emerge.