The first game to be outright rejected under this new policy-that isn't an obvious scam, say-will set a major precedent. In the process, we'll presumably get a sense of where Valve draws its lines. In the coming weeks, expect more games along the lines of Negligee to be approved for sale on Steam. It would be an odd sight if Steam, left unfiltered, resembled Pornhub, though it hasn't been ruled out. Nothing about the policy seems to prevent the sale of pornographic videos wrapped in a game-like UI, and that the focus has been on anime-style games thus far is incidental.

For instance, it isn't clear yet whether or not live action video (or FMV, in videogame parlance) pornography will have a place on Steam under these new rules. That does raise the question of whether or not Valve will truly be completely hands-off.

Proponents of the policy, including Brenda Romero and QWOP creator Bennett Foddy, have echoed Valve's view that it should act as a neutral platform.

What tools Valve provides to developers to curb harassment may or may not make some difference there, though the long-term cultural effects of course remain to be seen. Itch.io's creator also criticized the policy. Developer Robert Yang, however, criticized the initial policy announcement (opens in new tab), saying that the hands-off approach only emboldens reactionary currents among Steam users and developers, opening the door but not truly welcoming vulnerable creators. If Valve is consistent with its new policy, it may be of some relief to devs who want to make explicit or experimental work without worrying about whether or not they can be included on PC gaming's largest platform. Negligee itself contains 'pressured sexual relationships' and 'themes related to abusive marriages' according to its developer's description, though not having played it I lack context for these elements.

In a recent interview, Mark Antoon, president of adult games distributor Nutaku, criticized Valve for allowing House Party onto Steam, saying that Nutaku's team rejected the game for violating its rules by depicting blackmail. One point of concern is that Valve-whose history of moderation doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence-may not pay close attention to what kind of sexual content is being sold.

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