Itch.io Removes Adult Games from Platform

In a significant shift towards family-friendly content, Indie video game marketplace Itch.io has announced that it has "deindexed" adult and not-safe-for-work games, effectively removing them from its browse and search pages. This move aims to provide a safer environment for gamers of all ages.

What does it mean to be "deindexed"?

When a developer or publisher uploads content to Itch.io, they have the option to choose how their game is indexed by search engines like Google. Indexing allows users to find and discover games through search results. In the case of adult or not-safe-for-work games, indexing would potentially expose these titles to younger users.

By deindexing these games, Itch.io is removing them from search engine results, making it less likely for minors to stumble upon explicit content while browsing the platform.

Why did Itch.io make this change?

Itch.io's decision to deindex adult and not-safe-for-work games was reportedly made in response to growing concerns about online safety and the need to protect minors. The company stated that it wants to create a "safer and more welcoming environment" for its users.

According to Itch.io, the platform has seen an increase in reports of explicit or mature content being uploaded by developers, which led to calls from concerned users and parents to take action. By deindexing these games, Itch.io aims to address these concerns and provide a safer experience for its users.

Impact on Developers and Publishers

While the move is intended to protect minors, it may also impact developers and publishers who rely on visibility and discoverability through search engines. Some have expressed concern that this change could negatively affect their game's visibility and sales.

However, others see the deindexing of adult games as an opportunity for Itch.io to rebrand itself as a more family-friendly platform. This shift in focus could potentially attract new users who are looking for safer gaming options.

What does this mean for gamers?

For gamers, the removal of adult and not-safe-for-work games from Itch.io's browse and search pages means that they will no longer see explicit content when browsing the platform. While some may lament the loss of certain types of games, many will welcome the change as a way to ensure their online gaming experience is more family-friendly.

However, gamers who are interested in discovering adult or mature games may find it more difficult to do so on Itch.io. They may need to rely on other platforms or search for alternative ways to access these types of games.

What's next for Itch.io?

Itch.io has stated that it will continue to monitor the platform and make changes as needed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for its users. While the deindexing of adult and not-safe-for-work games is an important step, the company recognizes that there may be other types of content that could potentially be problematic.

In the coming weeks and months, Itch.io plans to implement additional safeguards and tools to help prevent similar issues from arising in the future. These measures will include improved moderation and reporting systems, as well as more robust guidelines for developers and publishers.

Conclusion

Itch.io's decision to deindex adult and not-safe-for-work games marks an important shift towards creating a safer online environment for gamers of all ages. While there may be some negative impacts on developers and publishers, the benefits of this change are clear: Itch.io is taking steps to protect its users from explicit or mature content.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve and grow, platforms like Itch.io will need to adapt and prioritize user safety. By deindexing adult games, Itch.io has set an important precedent for other platforms to follow, demonstrating a commitment to creating a more family-friendly online environment.

Additional Information

• Itch.io's Statement on Adult Games: [insert link]
• What You Can Do If Your Game is Removed from Itch.io: [insert link]
• How to Report Exploitative or Problematic Content on Itch.io: [insert link]