Mastercard has officially denied its role in blocking adult game payments on PC platforms like Steam. However, Valve, the operator of Steam, continues to maintain that Mastercard has indirectly influenced their decisions regarding adult content, casting a shadow of doubt over the entire affair.

In a statement published on its official website on August 1st, Mastercard addressed the allegations of censorship. Mastercard asserted, "Contrary to media reports and claims, we do not rate games, nor do we demand restrictions on developer sites or platform activities."

Mastercard added, "Our payment network follows standards based on the rule of law. Simply put, we permit all legal purchases. Simultaneously, we require merchants to implement appropriate controls to ensure that Mastercard is not used for illegal purchases, including illegal adult content."

In short, while Mastercard insists it does not censor specific games, it admits to managing the use of its cards to prevent the purchase of illegal content. Visa, another major credit card company, has echoed a similar stance through international media.

Valve has pushed back against this narrative. Speaking to outlets like PC Gamer, Valve noted that they have been unable to communicate directly with Mastercard despite their requests. Instead, the process involves Mastercard communicating with payment processors and acquiring banks, who then relay information to Valve.

Valve revealed that they had explained their Steam policy—established in 2018 to legally distribute games—to these payment processors, but the processors remained unmoved. The point of contention is Mastercard rule 5.12.7, which prohibits transactions that are illegal or could damage the Mastercard brand. This includes products lacking artistic value or featuring non-consensual sexual acts, child exploitation, non-consensual bodily harm, or bestiality.

The issue surrounding the blocking of adult games on major PC platforms, which surfaced in mid-July, remains a work in progress. Itch.io, which stopped showing adult games on the 24th, has since restored access to free adult content while hunting for a new payment processor for paid goods. Meanwhile, GOG.com has launched a website offering 13 games that were removed from other platforms for free. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has issued a statement demanding transparent and fair management regarding adult content.