Itch.io Adds List of Banned Themes, Citing Payment Processing Guidelines

Itco.io adult content faq changes (Image Credit: itch.io)

As the debate around adult content in gaming platforms intensifies, Itch.io has officially updated its adult content FAQ, directly addressing a growing concern in the developer and modding community: payment processor interference.

In a quiet but impactful update, the indie platform added a new section under its “Is adult content allowed?” FAQ.

For the first time, Itch.io has openly listed specific themes that are now prohibited, citing card payment network restrictions as the root cause.

“The following is a non-exhaustive list of prohibited themes present in card processing networks. We are unable to support the sale of any works containing these topics,” the FAQ now reads.

Here’s the list of newly restricted themes on Itch.io:

• 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

• Fetishes involving bodily waste or extreme harm (e.g., “scat,” “vomit”)

This shift mirrors the recent controversy surrounding Steam’s adult content purge, where dozens of games were removed due to vague policy changes allegedly tied to Visa and MasterCard compliance.

The language in Itch.io’s FAQ is particularly telling. Terms like “barely,” “pseudo,” and “implications” point to intentionally fuzzy boundaries — and a policy that could expand or shift without warning. The FAQ even clarifies that the list is “non-exhaustive,” leaving room for additions at any time, depending on how external pressure evolves.

"It’s almost impossible to come up with an exhaustive list of unacceptable products to sell, so often we have to take content reviews one at a time. If an issue arises with your account that isn’t already covered by our policy, then we will contact you and share what options you may have."

And the consequences for violating these new terms? They’re severe.

“If you’ve collected money while in violation of terms, we may be forced to refund or freeze all pending transactions, as accounts that are in violation of our terms are not eligible for payouts.”

That line is sending shivers down the spine of many small devs who rely on Itch.io for income, especially those in adult game development circles.

While Itch.io has long been viewed as a safe haven for adult creators and niche storytellers — especially those ousted from more mainstream platforms — this move feels like a shift in tone. Not necessarily because of internal pressure, but because external forces like Visa, MasterCard, and other card networks are tightening the screws behind the scenes.

This is exactly the sort of influence being criticized in the ongoing Steam censorship petition, which has now surpassed 132,500 signatures in a week. That petition accuses payment processors and activist groups of acting as unofficial censors, controlling what users can publish or purchase through indirect financial means.

“Payment processors and activist groups should not be cultural gatekeepers in a digital age,” the petition argues.

As the dust continues to settle, one thing is certain — these policy updates are no longer isolated incidents. From Steam to Itch.io, platforms are bowing to pressure, and creators are bracing for what might come next.