Valve tightens Steam rules, removes 'Adult Only' games

Valve is implementing stricter regulations for 'adult-only' content to comply with requirements from Steam's payment processors, leading to the removal of multiple sexually explicit games from the platform this week. As reported by GameSpark and shared by Automaton, SteamDB records reveal significant backend updates as Steam revised its 'Rules and Guidelines' policy, explicitly stating that distributing "specific types" of adult-oriented content may breach them. The newly added section 15 of the policy now clearly prohibits "content that may contravene the terms set by Steam’s payment processors, financial institutions, or internet service providers" from appearing on Steam. The SteamDB Twitter/X account published an extensive catalog of recently removed adult-themed games. > This may be tied to PayPal, as users in select regions have been unable to use it for Steam payments over the past five days. > > Full list of delisted titles: https://t.co/Vy44Q0hVGN > > — SteamDB (@SteamDB) July 16, 2025 This development follows backlash earlier in 2025 when UK tech minister Peter Kyle criticized Steam for hosting a sexually explicit visual novel containing non-consensual acts, including rape and incest. Following scrutiny, developer Zerat Games ultimately agreed to withdraw the game voluntarily after it was blocked in the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, Valve's updated rules have drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about potential censorship and the ambiguity of the policy wording. In related news, we recently covered Valve co-founder Gabe Newell's rare glimpse into his lifestyle aboard the luxury yacht he refers to as his "floating office."