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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Itch.io removed adult NSFW pages from public browse, search, and recommendation channels on July 24, 2025, after the platform said payment-partner scrutiny threatened its ability to process payments. The change was about discoverability—not an announcement that every affected page or prior purchase had been deleted. A week later, itch.io began reindexing free adult NSFW pages set to “No Payments,” but did not announce a general return of paid adult content.
What itch.io changed—and what “deindexed” meant
On July 24, 2025, itch.io said it had “deindexed” all adult NSFW content from its browse and search pages. In its July 28 FAQ, the platform described deindexing as removing content from public browse, search, and recommendation channels. That limited public discovery; it did not by itself mean pages had been deleted or that buyers had lost access to past purchases.
Itch.io said affected pages remained in owners’ libraries and collections. Previously purchased files generally remained downloadable if the creator had not removed the page or files. So a player who could no longer find a game through public search might still be able to reach it through their account library.
Why itch.io said it took the action
Itch.io linked the urgent change to scrutiny from payment processors after advocacy group Collective Shout campaigned about No Mercy, a game the platform said had been temporarily available before it was banned in April 2025. The platform said it needed to protect its relationships with payment partners and its payment infrastructure, and that it had begun an urgent content audit. It also said there had been no realistic opportunity to give creators advance notice, and warned that some pages might be permanently removed after review.
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The platform’s concern was broader than a single game or category page: it said losing a payment partner could affect creators across the site, including payouts. In the July 24 announcement, itch.io wrote, “Our ability to process payments is critical for every creator on our platform.” That is itch.io’s explanation of its decision; the available statements do not establish that a card network directly ordered itch.io to remove content.
In its July 28 FAQ, itch.io described itself as an open user-generated-content platform rather than a curated storefront. It said the site had over 2 million product pages and that creator-supplied tags were not reliable enough to make a narrowly targeted review practical. The page count was itch.io’s own figure, not an independently audited total.
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What changed on July 31 for free adult content
On July 31, itch.io said it was reindexing free adult NSFW pages configured with the “No Payments” option. This was a limited change, not a general restoration of paid adult content. The platform warned creators that switching to “No Payments” could make individually priced files free.
Itch.io said discussions with processors were continuing and that paid adult content would be reintroduced slowly only if the platform could support it. The post also said Stripe had disabled payments for pages identified as adult NSFW, and that itch.io was speaking with other payment partners. Itch.io said it was awaiting final determinations from Stripe and PayPal and could not give a fixed timeline.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The same update said new content warnings were planned but not yet ready. The official updates identified here do not verify whether those warnings, additional processor arrangements, or broader paid-content indexing changes were later implemented. The latest directly relevant NSFW-policy post located is the July 2025 update, even though itch.io’s updates index lists later platform updates through September 2, 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Stripe and Mastercard said—and what remains disputed
In its July 31 post, itch.io relayed a statement from Stripe: “Stripe is currently unable to support sexually explicit content due to restrictions placed on them by their banking partners, despite card networks generally supporting adult content (with the appropriate registrations).” Stripe added that it hoped to support adult content in the future. This was Stripe’s statement as relayed by itch.io; it was not a direct statement from a card network.
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Mastercard’s position, reported by TechCrunch on August 3, 2025, was that it “has not evaluated any game or required restrictions of any activity on game creator sites and platforms, contrary to media reports and allegations.” Mastercard also said it required merchants to have controls against unlawful purchases, including illegal adult content.
TechCrunch separately reported that Valve said Mastercard had not contacted Valve directly despite a request. Valve said Mastercard communicated with processors and acquiring banks, which then communicated with Valve. That account concerned Valve and Steam, not a direct instruction to itch.io. Read together, the statements describe different links in a payments chain and different accounts of contact; they do not prove that Mastercard directly ordered itch.io’s action.
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What players and creators can take from the timeline
- Players: Loss of public search visibility did not automatically remove a game from a buyer’s library. Prior downloads generally remained available if the creator kept the page and files online.
- Creators: “No Payments” was the condition itch.io named for reindexing free adult NSFW pages in its July 31 update. Switching to it could make individually priced files free.
- Anyone assessing the current policy: The July 2025 posts document the initial deindexing and a limited free-content reindexing step. They do not establish the present status of paid adult-content indexing or the planned warning system.
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