Steam, Itch.io and the banning of explicit and LGBT+ Content. What can we do?
[All images in this post have alt/id text if you need it or want to copy paste anything]
With no warning, Itch.io, a site where many host their indie games, comics, books and more, has started purging and shadowbanning explicit and LGBT+ works. Creators got no warning. And if they were still owed payouts from these works, Itch.io is saying they won't give them their money as they 'broke the rules'. Rules that were only just set in place, with no warning, and therefore no way for creators to try and draw out their money or delete these 'offending' works before they got banned under the new rules.
So Itch.io has been the most recent to fall to the demands of a group that's been contacting Visa and Mastercard and convincing them to threaten sites/businesses with 'stop selling what we consider to be explicit content on your sites of we'll stop allowing your site to have transactions with Visa and Mastercard'. Steam folded, and now Itchio has too. And a reminder earlier this year Gumroad also stopped allowing explicit content, further back than that Patreon banned some kinks and fetishes even if it's depicted in fiction not real life, and I don't have to explain to you guys the great Tumblr explicit content ban of 2018.
And as always remember this doesn't stop with sexually explicit work as LGBT+ stories and people are often labelled as explicit and already we're seeing works being taken off Itch.io that are about LGBT+ and especially trans stories. Other non-sexually explicit works I've seen already getting shadowbanned, delisted or deleted are SFW games featuring furries/anthros, SFW dress up games (because when you take the clothes the model is nude), and the aforementioned SFW games that include LGBT+ characters and stories.
I'm compiling here information I've seen around various social medias, mostly Bluesky, because I haven't seen all these things shared over here.
I don't personally have explicit content on itch, but I had been considering one day selling things on there and I do currently have explicit content on my Patreon, my main source of income, and am terrified that Patreon is going to fold next (if anyone knows alterative for hosting audio content behind a paid subscription service please let me know so I can start maybe making a back-up in case the worst happens). Because for me personally if Patreon goes next, it's not like I can go out and easily get another job. Not only because in general finding and getting a job is difficult enough, but I'm autistic and have chronic pain and have been constantly getting sick or new pains over the last few years and don't feel safe being trans in the UK right now and all of that combined rules me out of a lot of jobs and makes me feel unsafe to apply to any. I'm so grateful I've been able to make a community around my work, but if Patreon caves next and I just leave my SFW posts on Patreon... 10% of my Patreons are signed up to the SFW tier, 90% are signed up to the explicit tier... I know if Patreon caves I will go from someone living comfortably who's searching to move out of my parents so I can live in a safer environment to someone who can no longer even afford the rent I pay to my parents. I'll try and get an alterative found and set up in case that happens and I can only hope you guys will follow me to whatever other site I have to set up... but it feels unlikely that people will get a whole new account on a whole new payment provider just to support me on a website they might never have heard of...
But what can we do right now?
A petition you can sign (international but you do have to give your name, email, and postal/zip code):
Mastercard's new policy unfairly targets the adult content industry, making sex workers more vulnerable, especially Black trans women. It mu
Get calling:
Mastercard (US): 1-800-627-8372
MasterCard (UK): 0800 964 767
Mastercard (International.): +1-636-722-7111
Visa (US + Can): 1 800 847 2911 / 1-800-VISA-911
Visa (AUS): 1 800 125 440
Visa (UK) : 0800 891 725 or use their international call collect +1 303 967 1096
Visa (International): (call collect - it costs them $): +1-303-967-1096
PayPal (US): 1-888-221-1161
PayPal (UK): 0800 358 7911 from landline, +44 203 901 7000 mobile
PayPal (International): 1-402-935-2050
(numbers gathered from these posts X X X )
Don't know what to say on the phone? Here's a script written by timidtanuki:
Creators have had their work removed off Itch.io with no warning and since it's been removed for 'breaking the rules' (rules that were suddenly in place with no warning) they aren't entitled to get their payouts. Just like other sites such as Youtube and Twitch and Etsy, Itch.io hold onto money from their users in a wallet and then give them payouts. So there is money creators have made, are owed, that Itch.io is not giving to them.
People are recommending that if you still have works on Itch.io to turn down the revenue sharing to 0% so that Itch.io no longer takes a cut or your money if you no longer want to support Itchi.io finically but don't want to remove your works from their platform. X
Other Bluesky posts and calls to action I've seen:
radiantg.bsky.social is asking for anyone on Itch.io who got their game deindexed, removed , or payouts turned off to reach out to them (espeically if you make explicit and/or LGBT+ games) for a piece of journalism about what is happening.
sleepyhard.bsky.social is making a threat of all the games that Itch.io has censored/removed from their site search function. Obviously be aware this will include 18+ only games, games with sexual content and other dark or heavy themes.
thetransfemininereview.com wants you to reach out to them if you're a trans creator on Itch.io who is being affected by this so they can make an accurate report. they say 'authors' in their post and I'm unsure if they also want game devs to reach out.
dropdownbear.bsky.com wants you to reach out if you have purchased things on Itch.io that you can now no longer access because of this ban. they can include them in a report being filed with the Australian Consumer Commission as this may be a violation of Australian Consumer rights. If you are Australian you can no longer access things you purchased of Itch.io you can report directly with this guide.
It's a scary time for adult creators and sex workers. It's a scary time to be trans. Support creators. And if anyone knows of any alternate payment providers that allow explicit work, and/or alternate websites to Itch (and in case things get worse, also give me Patreon alternates please) where people can host, sell and/or offer paid subscriptions to writing, images, videos, audios, games and more please leave them in the replies. And please help share this post, the posts I'm linking too, and any other resources you can find.
Minors DNI. Ageless blogs DNI. I want resources and help but I don't reply to this post or follow this blog if you're under 18, this is an explicit blog and not for anyone under 18.
Does R have any soft moments with mc? When they truly care about them or even love them.
I get this ask every week without fail, and every time I have the same thing to say because yes. R loves mc very much and I think you all have way too bad of an opinion of them already that will be changed w the demo drop
Since the MC is hot 😌, will any of the ROs pursue the MC when they're still in a relationship instead of MC having to pursue them? Are any of them gonna be all “I’d treat you better”?
some of them will flirt with mc without the mc having to flirt first!
“God, I fucking hate musicians. Get me off this tour bus."
Assholes with massive egos? Check.
Tension between the band members? Check.
Various narcotics stuffed inside multiple suitcases? Check.
A contract that says you have to keep your hands off the talent? Check.
Just remember this is all for YOUR big break, not theirs. Go on tour with the band, write the biography, collect the check, and make a name for yourself. Simple.
‘Melodies In Motion’ is a wip, dramatic and romantic, interactive fiction that tells the story of you, a music journalist, joining ‘St. Skeleton’ on their upcoming tour in order to write their first biography. It is rated 18+ for sexual content, drug use, hot people being extremely questionable, so and so on.
Build your own MC. Play as male, female, non-binary, or trans; straight, gay, or bisexual. Customize your appearance and shape your personality.
Make choices that have meaning while building fun stats.
Romance 1 (of 5) characters or unlock the secret, friends-with-benefits route with a completely different character.
Conduct interviews with St. Skeleton and write your first book.
Help fix the tense relationships in St. Skeleton or make them worse if you think that'll help your book sales.
Fuck a rock star? Take scandalous photos with the band’s personal photographer? Fight a stalker? Do drugs off a drum kit? The world is truly your oyster, honey.
↳ Violet l She/Her l 31 l St. Skeleton's Lead Singer
Violet is arguably the most famous alternative singer in the spotlight right now. On stage, she's known for her smooth vocals, killer high notes, and charismatic personality. Off stage, she's known for her impulsive personality and a publicist that works harder than god.
↳ Jett l He/Him l 29 l St. Skeleton's Lead Guitarist
Jett is known among the fans for his insane guitar solos and being in a bit of a daze constantly. Among the members, he's known for his short temper, endless supply of sarcastic comments, and the whisky bottle that rarely leaves his hand.
↳ Jagger l He/Him l 29 l St. Skeleton's Bassist
As with most bassists, Jagger is a bit overlooked by the fans, but he doesn't mind. To be honest, he doesn't give a fuck about St. Skeleton. He's only here to keep an eye on his twin brother, Jett, and make sure their family secrets remain just that.
↳ Mikki l Gender Selectable l 30 l St. Skeleton's Drummer
Mikki has a small, but very dedicated fan base. They're often labeled as the backbone of the band. It was never about being rich and famous for them; they just wanted to play music. It's all they know how to do anyway.
↳ Ryder l He/Him l 33 l St. Skeleton's Tour Photographer
Ryder is known among the band for his easy-going personality and ability to make everyone feel seen, with or without his camera. But if he's taking care of everyone else, who's taking care of him?
↳ Star/Dallas l Gender Selectable l 27 l Violet's Assistant l Secret Route
↳ Aspen l They/Them l 31 l St. Skeleton's Second Guitarist
Love and Leases is an 18+ interactive novel. Set in Chicago. With focus on relationships, drama, healing and found family. Inspired by 2 Broke Girls, Don't trust the b in apt 23. Ready to sign your lease?
Demo Characters FAQ Playlists Pinterest
You had it all going for you, didn't you?
A loving fiancé, Chris. A wonderful older sister, Jade who understood you when others couldn't, a best friend who has been your ride or die since you were in diapers together. A beautiful apartment, not to mention the cutest dog you have ever dreamed of.
Of course, nothing stays good forever. In fact, that is when everything decided to come crashing down.
That fiancé, wonderful sister, perfect apartment. Gone within an hour. That adorable dog, stolen by your now former fiancé. That left you with one option.
You were intent on heading back home to pick up the pieces of your now shattered life. Your best friend had a different idea. What happened next is still a blur in your mind. Yet somehow you're stuck signing a lease and staying for another year.
This is your chance to start over, start your new career, stake your claim in the city that will be your home for the foreseeable future. Fall for someone, or make new friends? Get revenge/make amends with your past, get back your dog? Will you be going back home once the year is up? Or will you be signing a new lease with someone else?
Love and Leases is a slice-of-life interactive story. Where drama, romance, betrayal intertwines to create your story. Rate 18+ for language, optional sexual content, drug/alcohol use and more.
Features
❥ Customize your MC, gender, appearance, personality, and history with some of the characters.
❥ Start your new career, choose to work with one of the six RO's of your choice.
❥ Romance one or more character, will you find comfort in familiar gaze of a friend, pick up the pieces of a relationship of your past? Or do you just think the landlord is hot?
❥ Fix not only your relationships but those of the people around you.
❥ Get back your dog!?
Romances
❥ The Best Friend: Cameron “Cam” Clarke [M] – Cam has always been by your side; you have known each other since you were in diapers. Always clinging to one another’s familiarity. Some would say he dives headfirst without thinking, according to Cam it's always thought out. His "impulsiveness" is part of his charm. He could care less about others, but one look in your direction is all it takes to soften him up. Cam is confident, sarcastic, and some would say rude. Yet never to you. You can’t help noticing how he looks at you, has it always been this adoringly? Cam works as a photographer.
Route – Friends to lovers. Childhood crush.
❥The Rival: Gage/Garnet Kim [M or F] – G was one of your closest friends/rival in college, now just a sore reminder of the bad choices you’ve made. G was your educational rival in every sense of the word. You fought about everything. G has always had a sharp tongue, and stood out as a lone wolf. They're stoic, detached, and a bit closed-off. Regardless, Cam was able to soften their tough exterior. Getting close to one another was inevitable. Your chemistry undeniable. That was until a fight one night at the dorms. Now G barely looks your way. No witty comment, no stolen glances when they thought you weren't looking. Can you fix the fracture in your relationship? G works as a veterinarian.
Route- Enemies|Rival to lovers. One that got away. Second chance. You can decide whether G was just a friend or an ex.
❥ The follower: Kara Clarke [F] - Kara is the younger sister of Cam and Chris. She knows what she wants and how to get it. She got the best attributes of her siblings, loyalty and undeniable charm. She is spunky yet sweet, outspoken, confident, and mainly competitive. That could be the reason she's now vying for your position at the leasing office.
Route- Dark Secret
❥ The Writer: Markus | Marie Wilkens [M or F] – M is the ideal type to bring home to your parents, or to your friends, or anywhere. M is sweet, considerate, and extremely overworking. Always lacking sleep, that doesn’t dampen their smile. Yet from time to time you notice a sadness that doesn’t belong to their kind face. Not to mention that glimmer of mischief in their eyes. golden retriever cinnamon roll.
Route- Oblivious to love, Tragic Past.
❥ The Delivery person [redacted] : Isaac Allen [M or NB] - I is the resident flirt/jokester. Are you having a bad day? Well, you better believe they have a well timed comment/joke ready to make you blush or laugh. They regularly forget things. Isaac is constantly working either their delivery job or their other job they keep secret. Though you've never met prior, you can swear you've seen them before. Will you be the one who finally gets Isaac to give love a chance?
Route- Fear of Commitment, Double Life
❥ The Landlord: Ardent Pine [M] - You know the last person on Earth you would ever want to be stuck with, yeah that’s Ardent. He is rude, inconsiderate, self-entitled. Everyone has a bad word to say about Ardent. Even his cat (who is the cause of the scars on his arms). Since seeing you something about you has just rubbed him the wrong way, always quick to throw a snide comment your way. Ardent is the type who you could argue with about anything, wanting to pull his hair out afterwards. Surely, he can’t be that bad right? There must be a good bone in him somewhere, are you willing to find it, and find what has hardened his heart? resident dilf
Route- Villainous Crush
Other Characters
The Ex-Fiancé: Chris Clarke [gender selectable] - Chris is their parents golden child. Older sibling to Cam and Kara. They have a way with words always telling people what they want to hear with a charm that is unmatched. Many believe Chris is unable to do any wrong, well that was until...
MC's Sister-:Jade- Mc's older sister, Jade is very much what one would envision when thinking of a girl who can solely rely on looks. She is dazzling even you can't deny that. She comes across as quiet and reserved, but if Jade is close to you, she can make you feel like the single most important person in a room.
Rated 18 for explicit sexual themes, explicit language, drug and alcohol use, morally questionable behavior, violence, verbal/emotional abuse, cheating.
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