Steam games with adult content banned from early access, after payment processors force restrictions

The controversy surrounding bans on mature-themed Steam games continues to grow. Following demands from payment processors, Valve is now imposing additional restrictions on developers. Reported by Ana Valens, the marketplace is blocking games with adult content from entering early access.

On social media, the developer of Heavy Hearts revealed that its adult game was ineligible for early access. Valve’s explanation implies a new policy exists, since many similar Steam games haven’t faced the same roadblock. Sure enough, Blue Fairy Media Games chimed in, confirming that it was also facing the issue. While some risque content remains in early access, it’s suspected that the change went into effect after their approval.

Early access has become a common way to generate interest in a title before its final release. Companies also have the chance to earn revenue that’s critical to the development process. With Steam so competitive, makers of adult games feel they are at a disadvantage.

A bleak future for adult game developers

Of course, having Steam games banned or delisted is the ultimate fear for developers. That has been the goal of the Australian group Collective Shout. The activists claim that they convinced payment processors to force the removal of games that glorify the abuse of women and girls. However, critics argue that any game with adult content is a target. Collective Shout angered more gamers, recently explaining that “legality is not the defining factor” for determining what titles it deems are appropriate.

Steam has also introduced other restrictions, even if some are due to government regulations. To comply with the Online Safety Act, buyers of adult games in the UK must now keep a credit card on file. These customers can not even browse mature content without this form of verification.

Gamers in other parts of the world can also no longer use PayPal during Steam checkout. As payment processors clamp down on adult content, buyers are gradually seeing a smaller selection of games.