"Popular adult-themed video games such as Grand Theft Auto, Duke Nukem, and Saints Row face potential removal from Steam and Itch, as there is pressure to eradicate adult games, causing concern among retro gaming platform owners"
In the ever-evolving world of digital gaming, one platform, Zoom Platform, finds itself at the centre of a recent movement. The company, known for its diverse collection of PC games, from old-school edutainment titles to retro oddities, has come under scrutiny from payment processors over the content it hosts.
The concern stems from certain types of adult games, with many sharing Zoom Platform's apprehension that non-pornographic games may also soon be targeted. This trend has been prevalent in the industry, leading to tightened policies such as Steam's new clause banning content that violates payment processor rules[1][2][4]. Steam, in response to these pressures, removed numerous adult games, citing the risk of losing important payment methods like PayPal[1][2].
However, payment providers like Mastercard have denied directly forcing such restrictions, suggesting that at least some platforms may be proactively adapting policies out of caution or other considerations unrelated directly to provider mandates[3]. As for Zoom Platform, specific details about its response to these pressures are not readily available from current search results.
Zoom Platform, however, has been vocal about its stance on the issue. The company is a fervent supporter of artistic freedom and has engaged in discussions with PayPal and Stripe to develop a solution that upholds free speech and expression while ensuring customer safety. In an effort to prevent individual transactions for adult titles from coming under scrutiny, Zoom Platform is implementing a wallet system that allows users to add funds to their account and spend them on all products.
Moreover, Zoom Platform has added an opt-in option for two-factor authentication, further emphasising its commitment to customer safety. In discussions with payment processors, Zoom Platform mentioned that games like Grand Theft Auto, Duke Nukem, and Saints Row could potentially be at risk.
The pushback against adult game delistings from digital stores has been spearheaded by a charity group called Collective Shout, which previously supported efforts to get GTA 5 pulled from some Australian retailers. The developers of the viral co-op climbing game Peak have also expressed concern, stating that it'd be foolish to assume that any game is safe.
This reflects a broader environment where payment processors indirectly shape adult content availability on major digital stores, but details and enforcement specificities vary by platform. The gaming community, in response to the current situation, has made it clear that they will not stop fighting for artistic freedom and the right to access diverse content.
[1] Steam’s new content guidelines ban adult games [2] Steam removes dozens of adult games amidst controversy [3] Valve pushes back on claims that Mastercard dictated adult content limitations on Steam [4] Steam’s new content guidelines: What developers need to know
- Despite facing scrutiny from payment processors, Zoom Platform is actively engaging in discussions with PayPal and Stripe to preserve artistic freedom and improve customer safety.
- In light of the current digital gaming landscape, Zoom Platform is implementing a wallet system to prevent individual transactions for adult titles from coming under scrutiny.
- To further emphasize its commitment to customer safety, Zoom Platform has added an opt-in option for two-factor authentication.
- As the gaming community fights for artistic freedom and the right to access diverse content, games such as Grand Theft Auto, Duke Nukem, and Saints Row could potentially be affected by future policies regarding adult content.
