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processors, particularly Visa and Mastercard, is a significant factor behind these changes, as they have previously withdrawn services from adult content platforms [10][14][36] Summary by Sections Valve's Actions - Valve updated the Steamworks developer documentation to include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]