Visa and Mastercard Deny Direct Involvement in Gaming Censorship Amid Mass Backlash

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As a passionate movie enthusiast penning down my thoughts, I find myself compelled to address a stirring uproar within the gaming realm. In the midst of this escalating controversy, titans such as Visa and Mastercard have come forth with declarations asserting their non-involvement in the recent surge of mature-themed game deletions on platforms like Steam and itch.io.

These denials surface in response to allegations that certain companies, faced with pressure from organizations like Collective Shout (an Australian activist group), are subtly imposing censorship through their guidelines on questionable merchants. This situation has ignited strong protest from gamers, developers, and those advocating for free speech, resulting in numerous campaigns, petitions, and demands for government intervention.

The Spark: Collective Shout’s Campaign Against “Harmful” Content

The disagreement can be traced back to Collective Shout, an Australian feminist activist organization, which is recognized for its efforts against portraying women as objects and content that seems to promote exploitation.

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a concerning trend: certain video games with mature content have been under attack. These games, which often depict extreme scenarios, are being targeted by digital storefronts. As a movie critic who values responsible storytelling, I stand with Collective Shout in their belief that such games can contribute to harmful real-world impacts. They’ve taken action, lobbying payment processors like Visa and Mastercard to deny services to platforms hosting these titles. I hope this push for change will lead to a safer digital environment for all.

As reported, Collective Shout took action by sending letters and applying public pressure, asserting that the content was against the platform’s own rules regarding forbidden activities. They rejoiced when Steam and itch.io made policy adjustments, considering these developments as triumphs in their campaign.

In the month of July 2025, Steam made changes to its content policies, banning games that violated the standards set by payment processors. As a result, approximately 400 games were removed from their platform, with a significant number being indie horror or adult-themed titles. Similarly, Itch.io also enforced stricter guidelines due to more stringent requirements from intermediaries like Stripe, which handles transactions for companies such as Visa and Mastercard.

Critics, such as game developers and players, believe that Collective Shout’s impact extends beyond what is appropriate for a small activist group, as they are imposing their moral values onto global platforms. This reach affects not only mature games but also titles like “Mouthwashing” and “VILE: Exhumed,” which were taken down even though they don’t contain illegal content in real life.

Platforms Respond: Forced Compliance or Self-Censorship?

Valve’s Steam, their own platform, communicated to developers that necessary adjustments were essential to preserve payment processing functionalities, providing store credits as a form of recompense for affected games. Itch.io, on the other hand, was more straightforward in their explanation. They stated that stricter standards imposed by payment providers such as PayPal, Payoneer, and Stripe (associated with Visa and Mastercard) have led to the platform having to conceal or delete mature content due to these providers’ increased requirements.

In a recent blog post, Itch.io emphasized the importance of maintaining our partnerships with payment providers by making them a top priority and swiftly taking measures to comply. This urgent action is necessary given the critical state of affairs currently facing Itch.io, as the situation has evolved rapidly and requires immediate attention.

The alignment of Valve and itch.io’s policies is sometimes seen as a practical business move to prevent being cut off from significant annual transaction-handling payment networks. Yet, this has sparked claims that these payment processors function like hidden censors, acting as gatekeepers without direct responsibility.

Visa and Mastercard’s Denials: “No Moral Judgments”

In reaction to the increasing criticism, Visa and Mastercard have openly stated that they do not proactively regulate content nor put direct pressure on platforms for such actions.

If you’re curious, let me set the record straight: companies like Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, as well as Patrick Collison and his brothers at Collision, are not telling the truth. Despite their massive businesses valued in billions and handling trillions of dollars annually, they won’t hesitate to lie directly to your face.

— Josh (@XJosh) July 29, 2025

In their replies to customer queries and as reported by gaming platforms, Visa’s message can be rephrased as follows:

Visa’s communication, aimed at addressing customer concerns and disseminated through gaming channels, states:

In our global operations, we abide by all laws and regulations in every location where we conduct business. Although we strictly forbid any form of illicit activities on our platform, we are just as dedicated to fostering legitimate commerce. If a transaction is lawful, our standard practice is to complete it. We don’t pass judgment on moral grounds regarding legal purchases made by customers. However, Visa does not scrutinize the content offered by merchants, nor do we have insight into the specific products or services sold during a transaction. When a merchant operating legally encounters an increased risk of unlawful activity, we demand additional security measures from the banks supporting those merchants.

Mastercard echoed this sentiment in a similar statement.

— Mastercard News (@MastercardNews) August 1, 2025

Mastercard clarified that they do not assess or impose limitations on games created by site and platform developers, contrary to some media claims. The company stated this through X. Essentially, their payment system operates within the framework of legal guidelines. Translation: we permit all lawful transactions on our network. However, merchants are expected to implement safeguards to prevent Mastercard cards from being used in illegal purchases.

Critics, including game designer Mark Kern (known as Grummz on X), have labeled these responses as evasive. In a widely shared post, Kern claimed that Mastercard’s statement was untruthful, asserting that exerting influence indirectly through intermediaries such as Stripe equates to participation.

This is the lie. Keep calling.

For Itch.io, they apply more stringent requirements, as reported by them, towards Stripe. This stricter adherence to rules is allegedly enforced by Mastercard and Visa.

It seems that although MC/Visa might assert they don’t apply direct pressure on game distribution firms, there is a clear implication…

— Grummz (@Grummz) August 1, 2025

Kern emphasized the explicit reference by itch.io about more stringent standards set by Visa and Mastercard as proof of hidden power play.

As a film enthusiast, it’s frustrating when I see movie companies dodging serious accusations without providing concrete answers. For instance, Collective Shout has raised some troubling concerns in their campaigns, but neither company seems to have directly addressed these allegations or explained what they mean by “enhanced safeguards.” This lack of transparency leaves many of us questioning the sincerity behind their statements, viewing them more as corporate evasions than genuine commitments.

Backlash Intensifies: Calls, Petitions, and Legislative Pushback

In reaction, the gaming community flooded Visa and Mastercard’s customer service channels with complaints, leading to a high volume of calls – estimates suggest up to 3,000 daily calls, resulting in temporary interruptions.

174,000 signatures have been gathered on a Change.org petition asking for transparency and a reversal of current policies, with petitioners contending that payment processors should not assume the role of moral judges. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has added its voice to this movement, advocating for more explicit guidelines and safeguards against unwarranted interference in creative industries.

On various social media networks, including X, users are advocating for options like decentralized payment methods and digital currencies called stablecoins, suggesting a potential move away from conventional processors such as Visa (V) and Mastercard (MA). While these discussions have caused temporary fluctuations, leading to slight drops in their stock prices, financial analysts are not anticipating significant long-term repercussions.

Politically, the matter has garnered focus towards legislation such as the Fair Access to Banking Act (S.401) in the U.S., an initiative designed to stop financial entities from practicing discrimination against legitimate businesses. Supporters suggest that this act could potentially limit similar forms of censorship down the line.

Broader Implications: A Chilling Effect on Digital Freedom?

This story highlights escalating conflicts between corporate guidelines, activist demands, and freedom of speech in the digital era. While Collective Shout presents their actions as safeguarding sensitive populations, critics caution about a potential domino effect, where payment processors might extend control over other media formats, such as literature, movies, or even non-adult games with mature content.

The dispute remains unresolved, as demonstrations continue and possible lawsuits loom, with no end in sight. While Visa and Mastercard’s rejections might appease certain parties, their actions are seen as empty by many within the gaming community, given the real damage to content and income sources.

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2025-08-01 22:59