Everyone knows that there’s a seedy underbelly to Steam that’s represented by thousands of adult-only games. From the explicit sex simulators to the puzzlers that have you slowly uncover some lewd character, adult games make up a vast portion of what’s available on Valve’s PC-only platform.
However, a recent rule change that was slipped in out of nowhere might aim to change that fact. Per a shadowy policy update, adult games are being scrutinized more intensely or being removed from the platform entirely in a move that some have dubbed ‘financial censorship’.
Not The Lewds!
Steam is the most popular storefront and launcher platform on PC, for many reasons. One of those reasons is that it plays host to a vast and diverse library of adult-only games. There are the relatively tame games that simulate the slapping of butts, and the violently sexual titles that are borderline concerning. It’s a spectrum.
In a recent change to Steam’s policies, it has been made clear that ‘certain kinds’ of adult-only content are no longer welcome on the platform. In a sub-section of the guidelines titled ‘What you shouldn’t publish on Steam’, it reads:
Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors and related card networks and banks, or internet network providers. In particular, certain kinds of adult only content.
It’s a loose term that allows those financial institutions to play fast and loose with what’s published on the platform, and reportedly, many games have already been removed from Steam for not complying with the new rule that surfaced without warning.
This is where the financial censorship term has surfaced, and on social media, it has led members of the LGBTQ+ community to grow increasingly concerned about ‘queer, transgressive, or unusual games’ that are flagged as explicit.
In 2018, Valve made a radical change and declared the Steam platform fit for any game, refusing to ‘police’ what gets published. I guess times are getting tough, and when money comes into question, they don’t want to mess around. To stay good with their payment portal providers and other related organisations, they’re cutting the smut.
The likes of Mastercard, Visa, and PayPal will now have more direction over what gets published on Steam, which means your average (bizarre) nude furry sex simulator won’t make it to the platform.
Do you think this move is a sign of something more nefarious happening? Let me know your thoughts on the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that an esports pro named Hitler had to change his title
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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