Valve Implements New Guidelines for Adult Content on Steam

UPDATE 18/7/25: In response to inquiries regarding its updated policies on adult content, Valve has shed light on the circumstances behind these new guidelines. A spokesperson informed Eurogamer that the changes were prompted by potential violations of rules from payment processors and card networks.

“We were recently notified that certain games on Steam may violate the rules and standards set forth by our payment processors and their related card networks and banks,” the spokesperson stated. Consequently, Valve is removing these titles from the Steam Store to maintain the integrity of payment options available to customers.

Valve will directly notify developers whose games have been affected by these new standards. In addition, the company plans to offer app credits to developers interested in distributing other titles on the Steam platform in the future.

Original Story: New Guidelines Raise Concerns

ORIGINAL STORY 16/7/25: Valve has introduced vague new guidelines that target the adult-only game development community, placing restrictions on content that may “violate the rules and standards” established by credit card companies, internet service providers, and other financial institutions.

The timeline for the implementation of these new rules is unclear, though they appear to have surfaced in the last couple of months. The specific types of content now banned from the platform include anything that is deemed in violation of rules set by financial entities. This ambiguity has left developers questioning what exactly constitutes acceptable content.

While Valve has hinted at the need for developers to steer clear of “certain kinds of adult-only content,” no further details have been provided. Historical hesitance from banks and financial institutions towards adult entertainment-related services suggests that Valve’s cautious approach is a reaction to these longstanding concerns.

Impact of Controversial Titles on Valve’s Decision

Recent controversies surrounding explicit content on Steam likely contributed to Valve’s decision to tighten guidelines. The platform garnered attention for hosting games that featured extreme sexual violence, prompting banks to reassess their support and partnership with Valve. As a result, Valve appears to be re-evaluating its prior stance of allowing a wide range of content, which previously included a commitment to “allow everything” unless illegal.

Concerns Among Developers

The ambiguity in Valve’s new policy is causing worry among developers of adult content, who fear that financial institutions may now hold disproportionate influence over what is deemed socially acceptable on Steam. Several developers have voiced their concerns that this could adversely affect the availability of LGBTQIA+ content, as corporations might choose to appease shifting political landscapes.

The Risk of Financial Censorship

YouTuber NoahFuel Gaming expressed worries about the implications of growing financial censorship, stating that it could significantly harm LGBTQ+ game developers and their ability to showcase creative works. “Banks like Visa and Mastercard are emerging as unacknowledged moral authorities,” they noted, emphasizing the potential for financial institutions to suppress any content they deem controversial or explicit.

Looking Ahead

As Valve navigates these new policies, the company has yet to release a comprehensive public statement addressing the changes. Developers and gamers alike are encouraged to monitor the situation closely as the landscape for adult content on the platform continues to evolve.