Itch.io’s Adult Content Ban Sparks Outcry From LGBTQ+ Developers, Safe-for-Work Yuri Games Also Affected

Wendy by Krispycat.

Itch.io’s recent crackdown on adult content is having far-reaching effects — impacting not just explicit titles, but also safe-for-work LGBTQ+ and yuri-themed games, according to reports from affected developers.

Last month, both Itch.io and Valve quietly changed their rules on adult content. The move came after payment processors, under pressure from Australian activist group Collective Shout, reportedly demanded stricter compliance. Collective Shout has claimed responsibility for lobbying against certain sexual content, though they deny pushing for a blanket ban.

The change led to hundreds of games, visual novels, tabletop RPGs, and artworks being either delisted from Itch’s search results or removed entirely. While free adult games have been allowed back onto the platform, paid titles remain in limbo as the storefront searches for new payment processing solutions.

For LGBTQ+ creators, the impact has been especially severe. As per the Trans News Network’s extensive report, some developers say even safe-for-work lesbian or yuri games — genres that focus on relationships between women and often have no sexual content — have been caught in the purge.

One such developer, known as Krispycat, reported that her wholesome games Wendy, Warm, and Like Seafoam no longer appear in search suggestions. "They’re completely innocent stories, but I suspect they’re hidden because they’re yuri games," she said, expressing concern about losing her audience and income.

Others have similar stories. Maddie May, known as Milkboy, claimed that one of her safe-for-work titles was deindexed. Writer Dee stated that her queer horror stories, which comply fully with Itch’s adult content policies, have still vanished from search results. Even the Toxic Yuri Game Jam, a community event with over 200 submissions, saw more than half its entries delisted — some disappearing from the platform altogether.

The backlash from creators and fans was swift. Many organized online protests targeting Visa, MasterCard, and Stripe, urging them to stop pressuring platforms over adult or queer content. According to the site’s founder, Leaf, Stripe has been the key obstacle in restoring payment options for affected works.

Payment processors, however, are distancing themselves from the decision. Visa told protesters via email that it processes all lawful transactions and does not "moderate content sold by merchants." MasterCard issued a similar statement, denying that it had evaluated any games or demanded restrictions.

For indie developers, these assurances offer little comfort. Many rely on Itch.io as their main marketplace, and the sudden loss of visibility has slashed traffic and sales overnight. Some creators, especially those making niche queer or adult content, are now considering alternative platforms or self-hosting, though that often means losing discoverability and community support.

The situation has left many feeling uncertain about the future of online creative spaces. "I saw Itch as a renaissance for queer works," said developer Taylor McCue. "Now my game’s been deindexed without warning. I don’t know if there will be any safe place left to tell these stories."

While some hope that ongoing protests and negotiations with payment processors might lead to policy reversals, others are bracing for long-term change. As one participant from the Toxic Yuri Game Jam put it, "This isn’t just about porn games — it’s about erasing an entire creative community."

For now, creators are archiving their work, searching for alternative storefronts, and rallying together to keep their art alive.