Itch.io Clarifies Why One Of 2024's Greatest PC Games Was Removed From Search Results

The article discusses the recent removal of the critically acclaimed horror game "Mouthwashing" from the Itch.io marketplace. This occurred due to a sweep of "Not Safe For Work" (NSFW) games, prompted by pressure from payment processors and right-wing advocacy groups. While the game does not contain pornographic or sexually explicit content, it is classified as mature due to its themes of extreme violence and gore. The developer has clarified that the game was de-indexed from Itch.io's search results since October 2024, not as part of the recent sweep. The article also mentions that the broader impact of this campaign has been the removal of various adult-themed games, including those unrelated to sexual content, such as horror titles. Developers and fans are now organizing counter-pressure to encourage payment processors to reverse their stance, with civil liberties organizations like the ACLU joining the fight.