Steam Cracks Down on Adult Themes in Early Access
As of September 2025, Steam has rolled out a new policy that puts the kibosh on games with “adult themes” in its Early Access program. Dammitbird, the studio behind Heavy Hearts, received the bad news that their game was rejected due to this new restriction. Valve suggested holding off on releasing the game until it’s fully completed, bypassing the Early Access phase altogether.
What’s the Big Deal?
The move comes as a response to mounting pressure from payment processors and financial institutions, which have been tightening the reins on explicit content. Steam decided to revise its guidelines to align with these partners’ rules, particularly concerning adult-oriented content.
While existing adult games on the platform are safe, new titles with risqué themes won’t be getting a sneak peek in Early Access anytime soon.
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