Important Update: This article has been revised to clarify that the removal of Mouthwashing from Itch.io is not related to the recent NSFW policy changes, but rather an older decision made by the platform owners.
Recently, Itch.io removed thousands of games containing NSFW content from their platform, making them inaccessible to users. Some developers even had their games taken offline completely.
Itch.io stated that the removal of NSFW games was in response to pressure from payment processors and a campaign led by Australian activist organization Collective Shout. While the campaign aims to eliminate games that depict sexual violence and the sexualization of girls, it has also been associated with certain right-wing Christian groups that oppose legal sex work and queer sexual expression.
Collective Shout previously influenced Valve to alter their Steam policies, giving control over adult content definitions to banks and payment processors. This led to the removal of several Steam games from the platform, although the mass removal seen on Itch.io was unprecedented.
There has been confusion surrounding the extent of Itch.io’s delistings and takedowns. Earlier, it was reported that Mouthwashing was delisted due to the new policy change. However, Itch.io clarified that Mouthwashing had actually been delisted prior to the policy change and was not related to it: they mentioned on Bluesky that Mouthwashing “hasn’t been indexed since October 2024 as it doesn’t meet our indexing criteria”.
Some delistings may be temporary, with the possibility of games being re-indexed after a content audit to comply with payment processors’ requirements. Following the audit, new compliance measures will be implemented, requiring NSFW game creators to confirm that their content aligns with payment processors’ policies.
Itch.io quietly updated their developer terms and conditions with a list of prohibited themes related to card processing networks. Developers must adhere to this list to publish their work on Itch.io. The list includes:
- Non-consensual content (real or implied)
- Underage or “barely legal” themes
- Incest or pseudo-incest content
- Bestiality or animal-related
- Rape, coercion, or force-related
- Sex trafficking implications
- Revenge porn / voyeur / hidden cam
- Fetish involving bodily waste or extreme harm (e.g., “scat,” “vomit”)
Addressing Collective Shout’s arguments, games that promote rape and contribute to a culture of violence should not be promoted on platforms like Itch.io or Steam. However, the vague nature of the prohibitions raises concerns about distinguishing between harmful content and themes that address sensitive topics responsibly.
Itch.io claims to review games on a case-by-case basis, but developers should exercise caution before releasing content on the platform until the audit is completed. Games like Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, The Sims, Sonic The Hedgehog 2006, and others may also be affected by the new rules.
Collective Shout clarified that their focus was on removing games that normalize violence and abuse towards women, particularly those involving sexualized violence and torture. They have distanced themselves from the broad removal of NSFW content on Itch.io and are facing backlash for their advocacy.
While Collective Shout’s intentions are noble, transparency regarding specific games targeted for removal would strengthen their case. Additionally, showing support for queer creators impacted by the delistings would align with their stance against homophobia.
