Mastercard allegedly cited a rule regarding brand damage as the reason for removing NSFW games, a claim that Valve disputes, stating that Mastercard explicitly singled out their platform.
Mastercard's Indirect Role in Removing NSFW Games from Steam and Itch.io
In a recent development, digital marketplaces Steam and Itch.io have removed or deindexed certain NSFW games. The controversy surrounding this decision can be traced back to Mastercard, although the company denies any direct involvement.
Itch.io uses PayPal and Stripe as its payment processors, while Steam works with a variety of providers. However, it was the Australian anti-porn crusaders, Collective Shout, who started the whole controversy. They pressured Mastercard to review the games being sold on these platforms, citing potential violations of laws in some countries.
Mastercard's Rule 5.12.7 pertains to illegal or brand-damaging transactions, including products or services that are patently offensive and lack serious artistic value. Payment processors rejected Valve's explanation of Steam's policy on distributing legal games, citing this rule as a basis for their actions.
Valve tried to work things out with Mastercard directly before removing the games, but Mastercard did not communicate directly with Valve. Instead, Mastercard communicated with payment processors and their acquiring banks. Acquirers who fail to take action in response to complaints are subject to significant penalties.
Mastercard has issued a statement denying responsibility for the removal of NSFW games from Steam and Itch.io. The company states that it "allows all lawful purchases" on its network and that it merely provides the underlying technology and network for transactions rather than directly processing payments or enforcing content policies.
Itch.io suspended the ability to pay with Mastercard for 18+ content, while Valve and Itch.io explicitly stated that payment processors were the reason games were deindexed or removed from sale. Stripe, one of the payment processors used by Itch.io, supports a range of payment methods, including Visa and Mastercard.
Verotel and CCBill, recommended as alternatives to overly risk-averse financial partners, accept major credit cards as payment methods. These alternatives may provide a solution for digital storefronts looking to continue selling adult content while complying with payment processor requirements.
In summary, Mastercard's influence is indirect through the compliance requirements of its payment network rules and the resulting actions of payment processors, rather than direct censorship or explicit mandates. Mastercard allows all lawful purchases to be processed through its systems, but the pressure from payment processors has led to the removal of certain NSFW games from Steam and Itch.io. Both Valve and Itch.io are now reviewing content to comply with payment processor requirements.
[1] Mastercard denies responsibility for the removal of NSFW games
[2] Valve and Itch.io cite payment processors as the reason for removing NSFW games
[3] Mastercard's Rule 5.12.7 and its impact on digital storefronts
[4] Itch.io reviewing content to comply with payment processor requirements
- Mastercard, despite the recent controversial removal of NSFW games from Steam and Itch.io, has denied any direct involvement, stating that it only provides the underlying technology and network for transactions.
- In a statement, both Valve (operator of Steam) and Itch.io have explicitly mentioned that payment processors were the reason behind the de-indexing or removal of NSFW games from their platforms.
- The removal of NSFW games from digital marketplaces can be traced back to Mastercard's Rule 5.12.7, which pertains to illegal or brand-damaging transactions, and has impacted digital storefronts selling such content.
- Following the actions of payment processors, Itch.io and potentially Valve are currently reviewing their content to comply with the stringent requirements set by these financial institutions.
