UKIE Responds to Adult Game Removal from Steam & Itch.io
UK Games Trade Body urges Trust in Age Ratings Amidst Platform Crackdown on Adult Content
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The UK’s digital games industry trade body, UKIE, has issued a statement advocating for greater reliance on established age rating systems in the wake of recent crackdowns on adult-oriented content by major platforms like Steam and itch.io. The move by these platforms, driven by pressure from payment processors, has raised questions about content moderation and the future of adult games.
Platforms Censor Adult Content Under Payment Processor Pressure
Last week, itch.io announced it had “deindexed” all adult NSFW content from its browse and search pages, citing scrutiny from its payment processors. This decision followed a similar move by Steam, which has removed several adult-only games and tightened its guidelines to appease its financial partners.
These actions stem from concerns raised by payment processors regarding the nature of certain content hosted on these platforms. Itch.io creator leafo specifically pointed to a campaign by the group Collective Shout as the catalyst. Collective Shout published an open letter on July 11th targeting the CEOs of major payment providers, including paypal, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and Japan Credit Bureau (JCB), accusing them of “profiting from rape, incest and child abuse games on Steam.”
UKIE Champions Existing Age Rating Systems
In response to these developments, UKIE has emphasized the importance of existing, robust age rating systems. The trade body’s statement directs payment providers and platforms to these established frameworks, suggesting thay should be trusted to manage content appropriately.
A Call for Confidence in PEGI and Similar Systems
“The UK games industry champions creative freedom while taking its responsibilities to players seriously,” UKIE stated. “Clear and consistent age ratings are a crucial part of helping people make informed choices about the content they engage with.”
UKIE strongly supports the use of classification systems like PEGI (Pan European Game Information) across all platforms,including those that host adult or experimental content. “This ensures that content is labelled appropriately, that younger audiences are protected, and that creators can publish with clarity,” the statement continued. “We believe payment providers and platforms alike should have confidence in trusted age rating systems and the enforcement mechanisms behind them.”
The Broader Implications for Digital Content
The recent actions by Steam and itch.io highlight a growing tension between the desire for creative expression in digital spaces and the increasing scrutiny from financial intermediaries. While platforms are under pressure to mitigate risks associated with their payment partners, the gaming community is grappling with the potential for over-censorship and the impact on independent creators. UKIE’s stance underscores a belief that existing, well-understood regulatory frameworks are the most effective means of balancing these competing interests, offering a path forward that respects both creator autonomy and player safety.
The future of adult content moderation on digital platforms remains a complex and evolving issue. As payment processors continue to exert influence, the industry’s ability to adapt and uphold established rating systems will be crucial in ensuring a vibrant and responsible digital gaming ecosystem.