Over the last few weeks, several adult-themed games vanished from digital storefronts Steam and Itch.io, fueling speculation that payment processors were calling the shots behind the curtain. Now Mastercard has spoken out with an official statement titled “Clarifying recent headlines on gaming content,” firmly denying any direct role in these takedowns.
The payment giant stressed that it allows all lawful purchases on its network. But it also pointed out that its rules make merchants stop Mastercard cards from being used for illegal purchases, including illegal adult material. This difference has left many developers scratching their heads about what actually broke the rules.
Valve, which owns Steam, previously told gaming site Kotaku that payment processors had contacted them through acquiring banks with guidance about content. The timing of Mastercard’s statement, coming just after Valve weighed in, hasn’t gone unnoticed by the gaming community.
The situation highlights just how much control payment processors have in digital marketplaces. Mastercard and Visa handle most of the world’s credit and debit card purchases. For stores like Steam and Itch.io, losing these payment options would be disastrous for business.
It’s not the first time payment companies have been tangled up in content disputes. In past years, similar issues have hit sites like Pornhub and OnlyFans, with OnlyFans even planning a ban on adult content—only to drop the idea after a flood of criticism from users.
What’s especially tough for game developers is the fuzzy definition of “objectionable” content. Mastercard’s own rules give them power to block sales that “may damage the goodwill of the Corporation or reflect negatively on the Marks”—a standard that goes way further than just following the law.
Some industry watchers say activist groups, especially anti-porn organizations, have been campaigning around the world for tougher rules on online content. These protests ramp up PR risks for payment companies, sometimes pushing them to act just to stay out of trouble—not necessarily because the law forces them.
