IGDA Speaks Out on Censorship and Delisting of Games

censorship, gaming, IGDA, itch.io, PC, Steam, Valve

In case you missed it, there has been quite an uproar with the delisting of games that features adult content over the last two weeks. In the blink of an eye, games have been delisted on major platforms with little warning or clarity. Valve released a statement indicating that content that did not meet “the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors and related card networks and banks, or internet network providers” would no longer be allowed. Days later, itch.io would follow by removing adult games games from their platform. Unfortunately in such a wide sweeping removal, many games were no longer available without warning and clarity around why. An example of this is in the below tweet from visual novel developer ebi-hime.

btw, if anybody's curious why sweetest monster refrain was removed from itchio but my other r18 games were left intact, i presume it's b/c of the content warnings.
smr isn't a very explicit game (it doesn't contain any nudity), but it does deal w/ some uncomfortable subjects.
— ?? ebi ?? (@ebihimes) July 25, 2025

Concerns such as this have led to the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) to speak out on behalf of the developers. They begin by stating the following:

The IGDA is calling for greater transparency and fairness in how adult games are moderated and actioned across major platforms. We are alarmed by the vague enforcement of policies delisting and deplatforming legal, consensual, and ethically-developed games, especially from LGBTQ+ and marginalized creators. Developers deserve clear rules, fair warnings, and the right to appeal.

IGDA goes on to state they are not defending harmful material. Instead they are looking to ensure that developers have a voice, platforms are accountable for their actions, and transparency. It’s clear IGDA feels strongly about the situation occurring. Throughout their statement it’s clear they are looking to ensure voices of developers are part of the conversation.

Most gamers know there is nuance when it comes to the content in games and the themes that are acceptable. IGDA indicates that platforms such as Steam and itch.io have been restricting content that violates payment processor guidelines for years. The nuance here is that the issue is not the existence of the rules. The issue is their current enforcement that has impacted games that are not violating these rules. IGDA stated the impact that this level of censorship would have including loss of income for developers, reputational harm, and a disproportionate impact on marginalized voices.

IGDA made sure to also share an image and link on Instagram directing many to their statement.

Their Position

Throughout all of the IGDA’s statement, they reiterate their true position. They do not condone content that fetishizes sexual violence, non-consensual sexual acts, or sexualization of minors as this does not match their values and standards. Instead, they want to speak for those who are creating consensual, lawful, and ethically developed projects. IGDA is speaking out for clear and consistent policies and not over reaching censorship.

Games, like any medium of artistic expression, can explore themes of intimacy, pleasure, trauma, or identity. When created ethically and distributed legally, these works deserve to be evaluated fairly, transparently, and contextually, not swept aside due to stigma or third-party pressure. Many of these same games already follow established rating systems and content warnings, including ESRB and international equivalents. Developers are using existing tools to clearly communicate content, set expectations, and responsibly age-gate their work. The issue is not a lack of safeguards, but a lack of proportionate, informed, and transparent enforcement.

IGDA is now calling on many platforms to be transparent in their practices. This guidance goes not only to the platforms but also to payment processors. Clear guidelines, timely communication, appeal processes, advisory panels with experts, and transparency reports are bullet pointed in their statement. IGDA goes on to further suggest that game platforms suggest alternates to financial partners who are adult industry compliant. It’s always good tackle a problem with possible solutions so kudos to the IGDA for doing so.

IGDA’s Call to Action

One look at Bluesky indicates that there are already many grassroots movements of gamers reaching out financial institutions in regards to this concern. IGDA also recommends that peer organizations and publishers share their concerns regarding censorship and lists Visa and Mastercard with contact information. IGDA states that this is not just about adult content, but also “developer rights, artistic freedom, and the sustainability of diverse creative work in games.”

Globally and politically, we are at a crossroads for developer rights, creative freedom, and platform accountability. The right to make mature games with legal adult content is a creative right, just like the right to tell stories about war, death, or love. Developers deserve clarity in the guidelines impacting their work, consistency in the enforcement of those policies, and respect for their creative freedoms.

It is definitely an interesting period in the gaming world no matter what your views on the subject are. If you’d like to read IGDA’s full statement, you can do so here.