Core Viewpoint - Valve's recent tightening of adult content regulations on Steam has raised concerns among players and developers about the platform's future content policies and the influence of payment processors [2][10][12]. Summary by Sections Recent Changes in Regulations - Valve updated the Steamworks developer platform documentation, adding a new rule that prohibits content that may violate payment processors' standards, particularly regarding adult content [2][4]. - Over 100 games were marked as "Retired" within two days of the announcement, many of which contained adult themes [4][10]. Payment Processor Influence - The primary reason for the new restrictions stems from pressure from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard, which have been increasingly cautious about servicing adult content-related businesses [7][10]. - Valve's actions are seen as a passive response to the risk of losing payment processing services if they do not comply with these pressures [10][12]. Implications for Content Ownership - The situation highlights the fragility of digital content ownership, as players may lose access to games they have purchased if the developers decide to remove them from the platform [15][16]. - The user agreement on Steam indicates that players do not own the games they purchase, raising concerns about the implications of such policies on digital rights [16][17]. Broader Trends in Content Regulation - The tightening of content regulations is not limited to Steam; similar pressures have been observed on platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon, where payment processors have influenced content policies [20][21]. - The trend suggests that payment processors may increasingly dictate what content can be sold on various platforms, leading to greater uncertainty for developers and players alike [24][25].

Core Points - Valve has tightened its management of adult content on the Steam platform, leading to concerns among developers and players [2][3][5] - Over 100 games have been marked as "Retired" within two days due to violations related to adult content, with ongoing removals [5][6] - The pressure from payment processors, particularly Visa and Mastercard, is a significant factor behind these changes, as they have previously withdrawn services from adult content platforms [10][14][36] Summary by Sections Valve's Actions - Valve updated the Steamworks developer documentation to include stricter rules against adult content, specifically prohibiting content that violates payment processor standards [3][4] - The company stated that the removal of games was a response to notifications from payment processors regarding potential violations [5][9] Impact on Games - Many of the removed games featured controversial themes, raising concerns about the future of adult content on the platform [6][12] - The removals are not limited to specific regions but are a broader response to payment channel requirements [34][35] Industry Context - The actions taken by Valve reflect a wider trend in the industry where payment processors exert significant influence over content availability, as seen with platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon [27][38][40] - Organizations like Collective Shout have actively campaigned against adult content on platforms like Steam, further pressuring payment processors to withdraw services [17][18] User Reactions - Players have expressed dissatisfaction with Valve's decision, fearing it sets a precedent for further restrictions on content based on payment processor standards [25][26][37] - Concerns have been raised about the potential for a slippery slope, where more types of content could be targeted for removal in the future [26][39]