MasterCard rejects pressure from the gaming platform, while Valve tells another story

The protests following the recent market crackdown on games using adult content have been driven by pressure from payment processors, prompting Mastercard to issue a brief statement on Friday that will be pushed back against recent headlines.

“MasterCard does not rate the game or necessary restrictions on activity on game creator sites or platforms, contrary to media reports and allegations. At the same time, it must sell appropriate controls to ensure that MasterCard Card cannot be used for illegal purchases that include illegal adult content,” he added.

This follows the cry of advocacy groups addressed to executives at PayPal, MasterCard, Visa and other companies, and criticised it for allowing “No Mercy,” and other games to be sold, depicting rape, incest and child sexual abuse.

Over the next few weeks, Steam announced it would ban games that violate the rules of “payment processors and associated card networks and banks.” Itch.io later said it was removing games containing adult content from its view and search pages while conducting a wider audit.

While MasterCard’s statement appears to undermine the narrative that payments and card companies are putting pressure on the gaming market, Steam owner Valve responded with a unique statement offered to PC gamers and other gaming sites.

According to Valve, “Mastercard did not communicate directly with Valve, despite requesting that they do so. Mastercard communicated with the payment processor and its acquisition bank. The payment processor responded by communicating this with Valve and providing an overview of Steam’s policy of trying to distribute legitimate games for distribution since 2018.”

Valve said the response was “rejected” by the payment processor. He focused on “MasterCard brand risks” and pointed out the MasterCard rules for “illegal or brand damage transactions.”

Meanwhile, Itch.io said it is reindiaing free games with adult content while negotiating with payment processors, including Stripe.