Steam and Itch.io Are Pulling ‘Porn’ Games. Critics Say It’s a Slippery Slope to More Censorship

The article discusses the recent moves by platforms like Steam and Itch.io to remove certain "adult" games from their storefronts. This has sparked concerns among critics who argue that it represents a slippery slope towards increased censorship. A conservative group is reportedly targeting payment processors as a tool to pressure these platforms into deindexing games, even those that do not contain sexual content or depictions of abuse. This has led to the removal of some games that were not explicitly pornographic, raising fears that the criteria for what constitutes "adult" content may be too broad or subjective. The article highlights the potential impact on independent game developers who rely on these platforms to distribute their work. Critics argue that this move towards censorship could have far-reaching implications for the creative freedom and diversity of the gaming industry. The article presents a balanced perspective, acknowledging the complexities involved and the differing viewpoints on the appropriate approach to moderating content in digital marketplaces.