Itch Was A Bastion For 'Taboo' Developers, Now They're Not Sure Where To Go

The article discusses the recent de-indexing of thousands of works from the online platform Itch.io, which has threatened the livelihoods of many independent developers, artists, and creators. Itch.io has served as a bastion for "taboo" and unconventional artistic expression, hosting a diverse range of content including pornography, video game memoirs, and experimental works. The de-indexing, which was forced by payment processors following a pressure campaign from a right-wing anti-porn group, has left many creators concerned about the future of their artistic freedom and financial stability. Developers like Nathalie Lawhead, whose work has been rejected by mainstream platforms, worry that this incident sets a dangerous precedent for censorship and the loss of alternative avenues for artistic expression. The article explores the broader implications of this event, highlighting the potential impact on the creative process and the challenges of finding viable alternatives to Itch.io. While some developers are considering diversifying their distribution channels, the overall sentiment is one of uncertainty and concern for the future of independent and unconventional artistic expression online.