- Collective Shout, a controversial group, has pressured companies like Visa and Mastercard to ban adult games from Steam and other platforms.
- Due to that, both companies have faced immense backlash and are losing share price now.
- It is unlikely people will boycott these companies, but it may be enough for them to hear what gamers have to say.
There has been a massive controversy going on in the gaming industry with Visa and Mastercard being at the centre. These companies have received immense backlash from gamers due to a certain change in policies.
A specific group known as Collective Shouts, mainly consisting of women, started pressuring platforms like Steam to remove adult games or those that feature disturbing content.
As steam didn’t entertain the group, the company began pressuring companies like Visa and Mastercard, which folded instantly and started banning adult games. Due to that, both companies’ share prices are plunging.
Why it matters: Games are more about imagination and fantasy, so they should not be compared with real life except for photo realism and graphics. However, Collective Shout, which by the way has been involved in pretty weird controversies, is forcing such companies to remove games that don’t fit in their narrative.
While of course, boycotting these companies is extremely difficult, gamers can make their voices heard. With the new guidelines added to itch.io, games like Elden Ring, The Witcher series, Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil series, and more can be delisted.
This whole controversy is getting out of hand, as the group is trying to delist any game that “objectifies” a woman. Even if a game is rated for adults, they want to take it down if it has hints of misogyny and normalises harmful content.
Again, a game is supposed to be fiction; it shouldn’t be compared with reality, which is a point these organisations fail to understand. If this goes on, the controversy is bound to increase.
The fandom wishes for companies like Visa and Mastercard to fall even more, but it is not likely that they will face an immense loss. Hopefully, the voices of gamers are heard, and this controversy ends.
What are your thoughts about Collective Shout trying to delist games that normalise harmful content? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
Join Our Community
