In the last few days, many users and creators of itch.ii have met an unpleasant surprise: Adult games (NSFW) have disappeared search results and exploration pages.
What is happening? Well, the platform, one of the best options to download games and known for his Open and independent approachHe tried abruptly this decision, generating confusion and frustration in the community. They only left an announcement explaining what happened, of which we will discuss later.
The error derives from the payment processors
It all started when itchy He received warnings from his payments providers (such as Visa and Mastercard) on the type of content hosted on the platform. As explained by Leaf Corcoran, creator of Itch.io, the trigger was the game no mercy, which was forbidden in April, but but but He sparked a campaign from the collective shout organization Against Steam and Itch.io.
Given the risk of losing the ability to elaborate payments (something essential for developers), itch.io acted quickly. “Our priority is to keep the platform working for everyone“, Said Corcoran. However, this meant temporarily eliminating the NSFW content of public hearing while performing an exhaustive review.
So that some games could disappear forever: itch.io warned him Some titles will be definitively eliminatedAnd the people affected will receive an e -mail of notification. This, of course, has generated many disputes, since many creators have not received notice, which generated discomfort, above all because the content of the adults was one of the best sellers on the platform.
Its itch.io plans Implement conformity measuresas a system in which developers must confirm that their content complies with the policies of the payment processors.
This is the end of the NSFW content on itch.io?
It is not yet clear whether the content of adults will arrive here on the platform. The situation remembers what happened with Tumblr in 2018, when the ban on adult content led to a massive user migration. If itch.io imposes too rigid restrictions, Many creators could look for alternatives (such as taptap.io).
For now, the platform asks for patience as he solves the problem. In the meantime, The NSFW games continue to existBut they are more difficult to find. Will they be visible again? It will depend on what you negotiate with the payment processors.
Itch.io deals with a dilemma: balances creative freedom with financial requests. Although the measure protects the vitality of the platform, it leaves many creators in uncertainty. Only time will say if they keep their independent essence or if, like Tumblr, they will end up losing part of their community.
Fuente | Itch.io
