Itch.io recently announced that its popular game Mouthwashing is no longer appearing in search results, stating that it has been de-indexed since October 2024 due to failure to meet their indexing criteria. This clarification comes after speculation that its removal was linked to external pressures from payment processors amid a crackdown on NSFW games.

A developer from Wrong Organ, the team behind Mouthwashing, expressed surprise at this outcome. The game, noted for its critical acclaim, is seen as significant in the indie scene, raising concerns about the impact of financial institutions on game accessibility within such platforms as Itch.io.

Originally thought to be a result of pressure from credit card companies influenced by campaigns from groups like Collective Shout, Itch.io emphasized in its statement that the de-indexing is routine and due solely to content guidelines. Developers wishing to access Mouthwashing must now do so via direct link, as it will not surface in standard searches anymore.