Itch.io Reindexes Free NSFW Games After Recent Ban

Key Takeaways

1. Itch.io plans to restore NSFW material in search results, but only for free games.
2. Paid NSFW games will remain excluded from search results for now, with potential slow reintroduction later.
3. The initial removal of NSFW content was influenced by pressure from payment processors and activist groups.
4. Itch.io is exploring alternative payment processors after disabling Stripe payments for NSFW games.
5. Creators must offer their NSFW content for free to be eligible for reindexing on the platform.

Itch.io, a platform for indie games and various content, has revealed plans to start bringing back NSFW material that was previously removed from its site-wide search results.

Conditions for Restoration

However, this only concerns games that are available for free. Paid NSFW games will continue to be excluded from search results. Leaf Corcoran, the founder of the platform, mentioned that they would “slowly reintroducing paid content” to ensure long-term support for it.

Background of the Decision

Earlier this month, Itch.io took down NSFW content from search results following pressure from payment processors such as Visa and Mastercard, along with activist groups like Collective Shout. Both Itch.io and Steam suddenly banned NSFW content, leading to significant backlash, including a petition that has gathered over 200,000 signatures.

Future Plans

Corcoran stated that they are actively looking for alternative payment processors. He also relayed a statement from Stripe, clarifying that the service does not support “content designed for sexual gratification.” Last week, the platform disabled Stripe payments for NSFW games. Corcoran indicated that they would “review that initial list for potential re-introduction,” now that they have “a more specific definition.”

Eligibility for Creators

Meanwhile, creators who wish to have their content reindexed must offer it for free.

In a related incident, writer Ana Valens from Vice was caught in the turmoil. She, along with several colleagues, resigned in protest after being instructed to take down an article about Collective Shout, which the article referred to as a “radical feminist organization.”

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