Steam’s New Rules

New clause gives financial institutions more control over Steam content

Steam has updated its content guidelines to align with the rules of payment processors and card networks. This move has already led to the removal of several games, especially those with explicit adult content.

A new clause in Steam’s policy now states that any game violating the “rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors and related card networks and banks” can be removed from the platform. This means that if companies like Mastercard or Visa raise concerns, a game may be pulled down.

Adult-themed titles already disappearing from Steam

Following this update, many games with adult-only themes have vanished from Steam. Several titles with sexual content, including ones using terms like “incest,” appear to be affected. Though SteamDB doesn’t list exact reasons for removals, the timing strongly suggests a link.

This isn’t the first time payment processors have acted against adult content. Mastercard and Visa stopped processing payments for Pornhub in 2020 over concerns of illegal material. In 2021, Mastercard added strict content-monitoring rules for adult sites, placing responsibility on banks to verify content controls.

Financial censorship or necessary control?

Steam’s policy change has sparked debate within its community. While many users support removing explicit and harmful material, others worry this sets a risky precedent. Some users argue that allowing banks and card companies to influence content decisions may lead to broader financial censorship.

One Steam user pointed out that queer content often gets flagged as “explicit,” even when it meets basic content guidelines. Another called the rule change a “trojan horse” that could later target non-adult games.

Steam walks a tightrope with content moderation

Steam has long struggled to balance open content access and platform integrity. While it has hosted controversial games in the past, it now faces added pressure from financial institutions. The platform must now ensure that its games comply not just with local laws but also with international financial standards.

Valve has yet to issue an official statement about the policy change or its long-term implications. However, it’s clear the platform is adjusting to stay within the acceptable framework set by its financial partners.

For now, game developers and players will have to watch closely as the definition of “acceptable content” continues to evolve—not just by Steam’s rules, but by those of the global financial system.