The International Game Developers Association (IGDA), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting game developers worldwide, has raised concerns regarding the ongoing issues surrounding the removal of NSFW (not safe for work) games from digital marketplaces such as Steam and Itch.io. The IGDA emphasizes that the enforcement of existing rules is not the problem, but rather the arbitrary application of these rules leads to confusion and harm to developers.

The IGDA notes that recent enforcement actions have disproportionately affected creators of legal, consensually developed content, including those from marginalized groups. In a press release, they highlighted that these actions often occur with little to no prior communication, leaving developers in the dark regarding compliance and regulations.

The organization calls for transparency and fair moderation practices across platforms. In particular, the IGDA urges publishers to publish clear guidelines outlining what constitutes prohibited content compared to lawful adult expressions. They also stress the importance of timely communication regarding enforcement actions and the establishment of structured appeal processes for developers.

Furthermore, the IGDA recommends forming advisory boards comprising legal experts and marginalized creators to ensure a balanced approach to moderation. They argue that financial institutions must not dictate the narratives allowed in games with vague censorship guidelines, which impede creative freedom.

As digital storefronts deal with external pressures from payment processors and activist groups, the IGDA’s advocacy highlights the need for clear and consistent policies that enable creators to produce diverse content without fear of censorship.