<
https://theconversation.com/thousands-of-games-have-been-censored-from-major-platforms-with-lgbtqia-creators-caught-in-the-crossfire-262040>
"Online game marketplaces itch.io and Valve’s Steam have recently delisted or
completely removed more than 20,000 titles from their storefronts, after
not-for-profit group Collective Shout pressured payment processors to change
their rules.
Although Collective Shout claims the move was about censoring games that depict
rape and incest content, a number of LGBTQIA+ creators have been caught in the
purge.
I am a queer, trans woman and game designer who studies inclusivity. LGBTQIA+
creators have long made games to express our stories. Such expression often
necessarily engages with bodies and sexuality.
While content about us is seen by some as innately “harmful” and “sexual”, it
is essential for wellbeing. Conservative groups have long aimed to censor our
art, voices and games.
What makes the recent removals unusual is that they were not driven by
government (which may be a separate problem in Australia and the United
Kingdom).
Instead, they were driven by a supposed “anti-porn” group that frightened
payment processors into undercutting online game storefronts’ own rules,
resulting in itch.io reportedly delisting some 20,000 games, and Steam also
removing hundreds."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
