Itch.io Delists Games Following Payment Companies’ Pressure
Carlos Mendoza 
Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Payment processors are putting pressure on platforms like Itch.io to remove NSFW content, as seen with the removal of several games tagged as such.
- Itch.ios CEO, Leaf Corcoran, has apologized for any confusion caused by this decision, explaining that it was necessary to prevent loss of payment processing capabilities.
- Removed games will undergo a review to ensure they meet payment processor standards and avoid potential future bans, with new publishing rules requiring developers to confirm their game content complies with the policies of linked payment processors.
- The pressure from payment processors, instigated by groups like Collective Shout, could establish a precedent for direct video game censorship, particularly for games containing adult content or graphic narrative elements.
Itch.io Removes NSFW Games Under Payment Processor Pressure – Revised Review and New Publishing Rules to Follow
Itch.io, a prominent platform for indie games, recently removed several Not Safe For Work (NSFW) titles following pressure from payment processors. This action resulted in games tagged NSFW no longer appearing in search results. Leaf Corcoran, itch.io’s CEO, expressed regret for any confusion caused, stating the decision was unavoidable due to demands from payment processors. Collective Shout, an Australian group, reportedly instigated this pressure, specifically citing the game No Mercy. This particular game had already been banned in April following media coverage of its controversial content. Corcoran emphasized that handling payments is crucial for both itch.io and the developers distributing their games through the platform. He apologized for not alerting NSFW game creators before the delisting, explaining that the situation demanded swift action to prevent the loss of payment processing capabilities. He also announced that all removed games will undergo a review to ensure they meet payment processor standards and to avoid potential future bans. Afterward, new publishing rules will be set, requiring developers to confirm their game content complies with the policies of the linked payment processors.
Itch.io Under Pressure from Payment Processors Over Games’ Content, Following Collective Shout’s Moral Panic Campaign
Payment processors are companies that ensure smooth and secure financial transactions during purchases. These can include credit card companies like Visa or Mastercard, banks, or payment startups such as PayPal and Venmo. Corcoran did not disclose the specific payment processors involved in pressuring itch.io. However, Collective Shout was mentioned in connection with these pressures. This Australian organization is dedicated to combating the objectification of women and the sexualization of girls in culture. The group has a history of activism, including halting a tour by rapper Tyler the Creator in 2015 and attempting to ban games like Grand Theft Auto V and Detroit: Become Human from Australia. This month, Collective Shout launched a campaign called “Moral Panic,” specifically targeting payment processors used by Steam and itch.io. Collective Shout claims these processors financially benefit from games featuring themes such as incest, rape, and child abuse. However, not every game depicting such content necessarily promotes these acts. Groups that fuel moral panic often overlook this distinction when advocating for censorship.
Content Censorship Risks from Payment Pressure on Itch.io Games’ Narrative Elements
Should payment processors yield to this pressure, it could establish a precarious precedent for game developers, particularly those creating adult content involving nudity, violence, or abuse scenes. While games that promote harmful practices should not exist, employing economic pressure to remove games solely based on their narrative elements represents a slippery slope toward direct video game censorship.
In Case You Missed It
In a heartwarming tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who left us on July 22nd at age 76, Double Fine has made their critically acclaimed game “Brutal Legend” available for free for a limited time (check it out here: https://playersforlife.com/2025/07/24/a-2009-game-featuring-ozzy-osbourne-now-free-but-hurry/). Written by Bruno Pferd and published on July 24th, this piece explores how the game celebrates Osbourne’s legendary contributions to heavy metal music. Don’t miss your chance to dive into a world filled with iconic musicians like Ozzy himself before the offer expires in just 666 minutes! For those interested in the evolving landscape of video game development, be sure to check out “Independents Are the Future of Video Games,” Says John Romero by Marcus Thompson (published on July 22, 2025). In this insightful piece, Romero discusses how indie studios are increasingly defining the direction of the industry with their innovative titles and unique storytelling. From classics like Baldur’s Gate 3 to breakout hits such as Helldivers 2, Romero underscores the pivotal role these smaller teams play in setting trends and pushing boundaries. Dive into the article here Independents Are the Future of Video Games,” Says John Romero to explore this exciting shift further! If you’re a fan of free gaming gems, don’t miss out on this week’s Epic Games Store giveaway featuring “Backpack Hero” and “Figment.” Marcus Thompson over at PlayersForLife offers all the details in his latest post from July 7th, 2025. These games are up for grabs from Monday to Thursday, so make sure you’re ready to claim your freebies! Head over to Don’t Forget This Monday: Epic Games Store Releases Backpack Hero and Figment for Free for download links and more info on how to keep track of future offers.
About the Author
Sophie Laurent 
Bruno Pferd 
Marcus Thompson 
