If Steam wants to keep these games in its catalog, it has no choice but to start charging for something that was previously free, though developers insist “it’s not Valve’s fault.” The dispute between payment processors and creators could force updates to be released as paid DLCs instead of free patches.

It’s no secret that video games have long explored adult themes. Even back in the early days, companies like Atari had no issue publishing risqué games with pixelated depictions that pushed boundaries and somehow dodged censorship. Four decades later, “adult” titles are still being made, but conflicts between payment processors and developers are now disrupting distribution, forcing Valve to act.

The latest chapter in this battle over what qualifies as “acceptable content” now directly impacts updates for NSFW titles (Not Suitable for Work, due to explicit sexual content or extreme gore). Developers can no longer roll out free updates; instead, they must package them as paid DLC if they want Steam’s approval.

A Loophole to Release “Updates”

One of the first studios adapting to this workaround is Crimson Delight Games, creators of the erotic RPG Tales of Legendary Lust: Aphrodisia (no, we’re not linking it). Launched on September 15, the game was clearly labeled as adults-only, and its creators initially planned to release “story” and “scene” updates to tide players over until the big DLC in 2026.

But those updates won’t come out the usual way anymore—at least not for free. Payment processors are pressuring distribution platforms, including Gabe Newell’s Steam. For a title of this kind to be deemed “acceptable,” the publisher has to scrutinize its content to make sure it aligns with Steam’s policies. Since Valve has historically avoided outright censorship—except in extreme cases like games depicting explicit violence against women—it offered Crimson Delight and other adult devs a compromise: release updates as DLC. The reasoning lies in regulations imposed by companies like VISA, which primarily target in-development or Early Access projects; once a game is finished, enforcement is looser, whether on Steam or on Itch.io, another platform now facing similar pressure.

“The Problem Isn’t Valve”

Although this move could be seen as anti-consumer—since patches are normally free unless explicitly sold as DLC—Crimson Delight expressed gratitude for “the efforts Steam is making” to prevent censorship or removal of their work. When the controversy first broke months ago, Valve could have simply scrapped the adult section and its search tools altogether. Instead, developers argue, “the problem isn’t Valve, but the payment companies handling the transactions.”

As long as these games don’t depict abusive or excessively degrading content, they won’t be censored or banned. By reframing updates as DLC—finalized, author-approved content—they remain accessible to players. Meanwhile, advocacy groups like Collective Shout and Women In Games continue to campaign against the “objectification” of women in games. While degrading portrayals cannot be permitted, in this RPG’s case (which we won’t show here for obvious reasons), the interactions are consensual, and male characters are objectified too. For now, Steam’s solution is a middle ground: it neither blocks adult titles outright nor forces Valve to adopt alternative payment methods, as Itch.io has been compelled to do.

Source: 3djuegos