Itch.io Begins Re-Indexing Adult Content Amid Ongoing Payment Processor Issues

Itch.io

Itch.io has started re-indexing free adult NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content after a temporary crackdown on discoverability due to pressure from its payment processors.

In an update shared on August 1, itch.io’s founder, Leafo, revealed that the platform is still in active discussions with its payment partners.

The re-indexing currently applies only to adult-themed content offered for free, while paid adult content remains restricted for now.

"Today, we are re-indexing free adult NSFW content. We are still in ongoing discussions with payment processors and will be re-introducing paid content slowly to ensure we can confidently support the widest range of creators in the long term," Leafo said.

This step comes after the platform previously “deindexed” NSFW content from public search and browse listings last week. If you missed the drama, [here] is the timeline of the Payment processors vs. Steam/Itch.io controversy.

To be eligible for re-indexing, developers must enable the “No Payments” option under the pricing settings of their project pages. This ensures the content is entirely free and thus complies with current guidelines set by payment processors.

However, this move isn't without limitations. Developers using "individually priced files" must note that enabling this option will make all such files freely accessible, with no current way to limit file access to owners only. Leafo acknowledged this shortfall and mentioned that the team is exploring new dashboard options to address the issue.

Alongside the re-indexing, itch.io is preparing to roll out a new “content warnings” system for NSFW pages. Completion of this system will be mandatory for re-indexing eligibility. Although the feature isn't live yet, itch.io has promised to update creators once it's ready, offering a time window to meet the requirement.

The crux of the issue lies with payment processor Stripe, which confirmed that it cannot support "content designed for sexual gratification." As per a message relayed by itch.io, Stripe stated this restriction stems from limitations imposed by its banking partners, even though card networks themselves generally allow adult content — provided the appropriate registrations are in place.

“Stripe is currently unable to support sexually explicit content due to restrictions placed on them by their banking partners, despite card networks generally supporting adult content (with the appropriate registrations),” the company said. However, they did express hope of being able to support such content in the future.

Itch.io has since disabled Stripe payments for pages previously identified as adult NSFW content.

Leafo also confirmed that the platform is actively searching for new payment partners that can accommodate such content without risking platform stability.

This entire episode has highlighted a growing concern for digital platforms that host adult material. Itch.io isn’t the only one under scrutiny — even Valve has recently updated its publishing rules on Steam, tightening the reins on NSFW content.

For now, creators on itch.io will have to adapt to a more controlled environment. Those offering adult content must ensure it’s free and properly labeled, while also preparing for upcoming policy changes like mandatory content warnings.