Introduction to Steam’s New Guidelines

Steam has recently updated its guidelines with a new rule that has led to the removal of certain games from the platform. According to a report by Automaton, the new clause prohibits content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors and related card networks and banks, or internet network providers.

Implications of the New Rule

In simpler terms, if credit card companies or other financial institutions object to a particular game, it could potentially be banned from Steam. The clause further specifies that this will affect "certain kinds of adult-only content." This change has likely already resulted in the removal of many games, the majority of which have explicit sexual themes, including some with titles that contain the word "incest."

Evidence of Game Removals

SteamDB has documented the removal of these titles, although it does not provide a reason for their removal. The timing of these removals aligns with the introduction of the new rule, suggesting a connection between the two events. A tweet from SteamDB notes the update in Steam’s rules and the coincidental removal of incest-themed games, sparking discussion about the implications of this policy change.

Background on Payment Processors and Adult Content

This move by Steam might seem unusual but is part of a broader trend where payment processors have been hesitant to facilitate transactions for adult content. The rationale often cited is the concern over illegal content and the need for more stringent safeguards on adults-only platforms. For instance, Mastercard and Visa have previously blocked their cards from being used on Pornhub, citing similar concerns. Mastercard further revised its standards for adult content merchants, requiring them to have effective controls in place to monitor and block illegal content.

Potential Precedent and Community Reaction

While many might not lament the removal of games with explicit or problematic content, such as "Sex Adventures – Incest Family," there is concern among some Steam users that this sets a troubling precedent. The worry is that allowing financial institutions to dictate what is acceptable could lead to "financial censorship," potentially impacting a wider range of games in the future. Some users point out that even queer content, which may be entirely PG, can be flagged as explicit, indicating a potential for overreach. Others see this move as a "trojan horse," potentially leading to more stringent and unwanted censorship in the gaming community.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Steam has historically been a platform that hosts a wide variety of content, including some that has been controversial or problematic. The introduction of this new rule reflects the ongoing challenges faced by digital platforms in balancing freedom of expression with the need to adhere to legal and financial regulations. As the gaming and digital content landscapes continue to evolve, the implications of such rules will be closely watched, both for their impact on creators and consumers, and for the broader principles of censorship and financial control they represent. Valve’s stance and future actions on this matter will be crucial in determining how this change affects the Steam community and beyond.