In recent weeks, dozens of controversial games have been removed or delisted from Steam and Itch.io following pressure from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard. For many in the gaming community, the move feels like a sweeping act of censorship, with the potential to impact even major franchises such as Grand Theft Auto.
The situation began after Collective Shout, an activist group campaigning against sexually explicit content, lobbied financial institutions to intervene. In response, banks and credit card companies contacted PC storefronts directly, leading to new internal policies and mass takedowns (mostly targeting adult or sexually themed titles).
A major concern is the lack of clarity in the new content guidelines. According to the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), the vague language being used could threaten a much wider range of games, including those that have been widely accepted by both players and publishers for years.
Classic and Mainstream Games Flagged as “At Risk”
This wave of removals hasn’t stopped at Steam and Itch.io. ZOOM, a digital platform focused on retro and classic PC games, confirmed that it received a similar notice from one of its payment providers.
In a statement shared with GamingOnLinux, a ZOOM spokesperson said that during conversations with payment processors, titles like Grand Theft Auto, Duke Nukem, and Saints Row were explicitly mentioned as “potentially at risk.” No further details were provided, but all three franchises are known for their provocative themes, violent gameplay, and irreverent tone.
The news has raised alarms amongst gamers. The current crackdown no longer appears to be limited to adult-only or fringe titles; instead, it’s shifting toward titles that challenge norms through satire, controversial storytelling, or dark humor.
ZOOM Pushes Back Against Content Takedowns
On its official website, ZOOM shared that a payment processor asked the company to remove certain games from its storefront following concerns raised by “a fellow member of the industry.”
Rather than comply, the company held extensive talks with both PayPal and Stripe, and decided to stand its ground by preserving its full catalog and defending creative freedom on its platform.
“We have no plans to remove any titles, and will do absolutely everything in our power to prevent such de-listings,” the post read. “We are fervent supporters of artistic freedom and always will be.”
To help strengthen user trust, the platform is rolling out two-factor authentication and is currently exploring alternative payment options. One possibility is a wallet system that would let users preload funds and complete purchases directly, bypassing some of the restrictions imposed by payment processors.
A Growing Tension Between Creativity and Control
This wave of takedowns has put a spotlight on how much power financial infrastructure holds over creative platforms. With vague guidelines and little transparency, the risk of overreach is becoming more evident.
ZOOM’s response, along with the wider pushback from developers and players, suggests that this isn’t just a content moderation issue, but part of a larger battle over who gets to decide what kinds of games belong in today’s digital marketplaces.
