Mastercard's Blame Game: A Veil of Responsibility
In a recent statement, Mastercard attempted to shift responsibility for the removal of NSFW games from Steam, claiming it allows all lawful purchases. However, the reality suggests otherwise, as both Valve and Itch.io cite pressure from payment processors in the takedown process. Mastercard's assertion that it does not evaluate games is misleading, given its indirect influence through payment processors. - The company emphasizes compliance with its Rule 5.12.7, which addresses potentially damaging transactions. This situation raises questions about the transparency of payment policies affecting digital content. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between financial systems and creative freedom in gaming. Ultimately, while Mastercard denies culpability, the impact of its rules is evident in the gaming landscape. As gamers, we must remain vigilant about these underlying dynamics affecting content availability. Regular updates from platforms and payment processors are crucial for maintaining an open market. The need for dialogue between stakeholders is more important than ever.