Initially, we were led to believe that only problematic NSFW games were at risk of being removed from platforms like Steam, but this could change in the future.
It has now been a few weeks since payment service providers put pressure on Steam and Itch.io to remove many “Not Safe For Work” games. Many fans feared that Mastercard, Visa, and others could now use their newly gained control to remove other less problematic games from their catalogs.
This fear now seems to be becoming increasingly realistic. In addition to Steam and Itch.io, other online game stores have also been pressured by payment processors.
Wallet As An Alternative Method
The online store for retro games, Zoom Platform, was also contacted by payment processors. In an announcement, Zoom stated that it would not consider complying with the payment processors' request. Instead, it opted for a different payment system.
Zoom wants to introduce a wallet system, which means that customers can simply load money onto Zoom and then use that money to buy games, instead of paying for the game directly via Mastercard, Visa, etc. This would create more distance from the payment processors and give more control to the site operators.
Games Like GTA In Danger?
In an email to GamingOnLinux, a member of the Zoom team provided further insight into the situation. According to this employee, this censorship would develop significantly further. Apparently, in discussions with Zoom, payment processors have classified games such as GTA, Saints Row, and Duke Nukem as risky.
It is important to note that the pressure and control exerted by the payment processors was triggered by Collective Shout. This political group campaigns against the objectification of women in the media. They demanded that Steam remove a distasteful game called “No Mercy” and ultimately turned to the payment processors.
This resulted in a wave of bans on many games. It is not known to what extent Collective Shout will continue to play a role in this issue, but in 2014, the group demanded that GTA 5 be banned because it promoted the “brutal murder of women.” Could Collective Shout have set the ball rolling in this case as well?
Collective Shout could come after Duke Nukem and have him erased, along with other big games by u/Interesting-Cow9795 in dukenukem
The Future Of The Industry – Statement From GOG
Many fans are particularly concerned that LGBTQ+ games will be removed from the market, as they often deal with intimate self-discovery and other adult themes. These games are especially important for representing marginalized people and giving this topic a platform in art and media.
A feminist game dealing with abuse and assault has already been removed from Steam. Fans and the community agree that art can be uncomfortable, especially for adults.
The platform GOG has also spoken out. The online store is committed to preserving gaming history and has made a compelling statement.
We believe that if a game is legal and responsibly made, players should be able to enjoy it today – and decades from now.
To emphasize these words, GOG made some of the games already removed from Steam available for free for 48 hours.
What do you think about this? Shouldn't players over the age of 18 be able to judge for themselves what depictions of violence or adult content are too much for them?