Psychological horror game Mouthwashing has vanished from Itch.io search results as the indie game platform undergoes a sweeping review of adult content. The delisting, confirmed by the game’s composer, is part of a larger effort by Itch.io to comply with stricter requirements from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard.
Developed by Wrong Organ, Mouthwashing is a visual novel that tackles difficult themes, including sexual violence and trauma. Despite critical acclaim and award nominations, the game’s mature content has placed it in the crosshairs of the platform’s new content guidelines.
The removal is just one example of a broader content audit that began in early June 2024. Itch.io has temporarily deindexed numerous titles while reviewing them for compliance, meaning they remain inaccessible through the platform’s search function even if direct links still work.
“We are currently doing a thorough audit of content to make sure we can meet the requirements of our payment processors,” Itch.io stated in an official announcement. “Pages will remain deindexed as we complete our review. Once this review is complete, we will introduce new compliance measures.”
This crackdown mirrors similar actions on other digital storefronts like Steam, where games with mature or controversial themes have faced increasing scrutiny. Payment processors have placed significant pressure on platforms to ensure content purchased through their networks doesn’t violate their standards.
Itch.io has historically been more open to hosting adult, LGBTQ+, and fringe content compared to larger gaming marketplaces. However, this audit signals a potential shift in what types of games will remain accessible on the platform.
For affected developers, the process creates uncertainty about their future on the platform. Once the audit completes, creators will need to verify their content meets new compliance standards before their games can return to search results.
