Overview

• Valve added a clause to its Steamworks guidelines prohibiting “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,” specifically flagging certain adult-only content.
• SteamDB trackers logged hundreds of adult-themed titles delisted since the rule went into effect, with dozens of incest-themed games among the removals.
• Valve has not detailed which payment processor standards apply or offered developers guidance on how to ensure compliance with the vague prohibition.
• Industry observers warn that deferring content decisions to banks and card networks risks turning financial institutions into de facto censors, potentially targeting queer and unconventional games.
• The policy change follows precedents set by Mastercard and Visa blocking adult platforms like Pornhub in 2020 and imposing Specialty Merchant requirements on adult content sellers in 2021.