Valve is updating its content policies on Steam to align with the requirements of its payment processing partners, resulting in the removal of dozens of sexually explicit games this week. According to recent SteamDB logs, the platform has revised its Rules and Guidelines policy—adding Clause 15, which explicitly prohibits content that may breach standards set by payment processors, card networks, banks, or internet service providers.
The change follows increased scrutiny from regulators and public backlash earlier this year, after UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle criticized Steam for hosting a controversial visual novel involving non-consensual acts. The developer, Zerat Games, later chose to withdraw the title voluntarily after it was banned in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
SteamDB’s X (formerly Twitter) account highlighted a growing list of adult-only games recently delisted, suggesting the purge may be tied to regional PayPal restrictions that have affected users for the past five days. A public archive of removed titles is available here: SteamDB Removals List.
While the move satisfies financial compliance needs, some developers and players have voiced concerns about potential censorship and the broad, ambiguous language used in the updated policy. Critics argue that clearer definitions are needed to prevent unintended consequences for creators and transparency for users.
