Valve, the company behind Steam, just introduced a vague new rule banning “sexually explicit images of real people” from the platform and it’s raising red flags across the creator economy.
The update comes with little explanation and seems aimed at keeping payment processors like Visa and Mastercard happy. Creators in gaming, visual novels, and interactive media who use real or realistic imagery are already seeing content flagged or removed, even if it previously passed moderation.
What’s the Rule?
Steam’s new guideline now bans:
“Sexually explicit images of real people.”
There’s no further detail—no definitions, no clarification on how this applies to AI-generated content, deepfakes, cosplay, or photorealistic art. This kind of vagueness creates uncertainty for anyone pushing creative boundaries or monetizing content that falls outside the mainstream.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about games. It’s a familiar pattern: a platform tightens its rules under pressure from financial partners, and creators get caught in the middle. We’ve seen it with OnlyFans, Patreon, Tumblr, and now Steam.
These quiet policy shifts often signal a broader crackdown, especially on content involving sexuality, nudity, or provocative themes, even if they’re entirely legal and consensual.
How to Protect Your Work
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Don’t rely on one platform. Steam, Reddit, and even social platforms can change the rules overnight. Build your own site, mailing list, or private community where you set the terms.
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Use payment processors that align with your content. There are alternatives out there that don’t penalize you for being explicit or niche.
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Stay informed. Many platforms won’t notify you when policies change. Keep tabs on updates and creator forums so you’re not caught off guard.
Final Thought
Censorship doesn’t always come with a hammer, sometimes it’s a quiet tweak to the terms of service. But the impact is real. The more control you have over your content and audience, the better prepared you’ll be when platforms shift the goalposts.
