Steam removes numerous pornographic games, tightens regulations on "specific adult-content"; here's the rationale behind this move and the updated policy (UPDATES: Valve offers response)
In a recent move, gaming platform Steam has implemented a new policy to remove adult content that violates the standards set by its payment processors, card networks, and internet network providers. The new rule, now the 15th in the list of what you shouldn't publish on Steam, specifically targets certain types of adult-only content, particularly sexually explicit material that goes against the policies of these financial institutions and payment platforms.
The new policy is a response to the growing pressure from payment processors to avoid facilitating transactions tied to prohibited adult content. This trend is evident in the industry, with companies like PayPal, OnlyFans, and others restricting or altering their adult content policies under similar pressure.
The guidelines prohibit pornographic or sexually explicit content deemed inappropriate or too extreme. They also ban content involving non-consensual sexual acts, incest, or other illegal or highly controversial themes. Material that could expose payment networks and banks to legal, reputational, or regulatory risks associated with explicit content is also forbidden.
This new rule has led to the removal of several games from the Steam Store, including many that feature incest-themed content. The policy is intentionally vague but is enforced by removing games that contain such adult content violating these external partners' restrictions.
Valve, the company behind Steam, has issued app credits to developers of the removed games, should they have another game they'd like to distribute on Steam in the future. However, some users and developers are concerned about the lack of clarity in the new Steam rules. They argue that the rule could disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ creators, as their content is often flagged as "explicit" even when it's PG.
The quiet normalization of financial censorship is a concern for some users, who fear a potential domino effect. They call for Valve to update the rules with more clarity to avoid worrying signs of a potential domino effect. This includes the normalization of financial deplatforming, which could harm LGBTQ+ games and developers.
The case of Tumblr's CEO, Matt Mullenweg, who commented that porn is banned on the platform due to pressure from credit card companies being "anti-porn," serves as a precedent. Similarly, payment processors like Visa and Mastercard have been known to take action against platforms that host explicit content.
The new policy change by Steam is reflective of these broader industry trends, as companies strive to avoid being potentially associated with specific kinds of explicit material to maintain their reputation and compliance with financial institutions. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Steam and other platforms navigate these complex issues surrounding adult content and financial compliance.
[1] https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-is-removing-pornographic-games-from-its-store/ [2] https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/24/22643814/steam-banning-pornographic-games-valve-adult-content-rules [3] https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-08-25-steam-is-removing-pornographic-games-from-its-store [4] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/aug/25/steam-bans-pornographic-games-after-pressure-from-payment-processors [5] https://www.pcgamesn.com/steam/steam-bans-adult-games-after-pressure-from-payment-processors
- The trend of financial institutions pressuring companies to avoid facilitating transactions related to adult content is evident, as seen with gaming platform Steam's decision to remove adult content that violates its partners' standards.
- The new rule on Steam targets sexually explicit material and certain types of adult-only content, aligning with the policies of payment networks and card companies.
- Despite the policy change, there are concerns that it may disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ creators, with their content often flagged as explicit even when it's PG.
- In a broader perspective, this policy change by Steam mirrors industry trends, with companies striving to maintain their reputation and compliance with financial institutions by avoiding explicit material.
- The case of Tumblr, which banned porn due to pressure from credit card companies, and actions taken by payment processors like Visa and Mastercard against platforms hosting explicit content serve as precedents for similar scenarios in the gaming industry and other forms of entertainment on social media.
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