Steam Updates Rules for Developers Amid Payment Processor Pressure
Steam, the leading PC gaming platform, has recently made updates to their developer rules in response to increasing pressure from payment processors. The new guidelines aim to prevent content that may violate the standards set by these payment processors.
According to reports, the restrictions are vague and specifically target content that may not align with the rules of payment processors, card networks, and banks. This includes certain types of adult content.
Developers are advised not to submit content that could potentially breach the guidelines established by Steam’s payment processors, card networks, banks, or internet service providers.
In recent times, payment processors like Visa and Mastercard have been exerting their influence to restrict content they deem objectionable. This has affected various platforms in both Japan and the western regions, including Patreon, Fansly, and Japanese retailers like DLSite.
Following the ban of certain VTubers and content creators on Fansly, many have migrated to RPlay. The situation has particularly impacted Japan, with reports of payment processors withholding funds from developers on Steam due to content deemed “objectionable.”
Japanese retailers and lawmakers are now at the forefront of challenging payment processor censorship, with figures like Councilman Yamada Taro and former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighting the issue of free speech suppression.
As a result of these developments, several adult games have been removed from Steam in a short span, possibly linked to the recent rule updates. The implications of these changes on Steam’s adult games market remain uncertain.
