Why has PayPal pulled out of Steam?
Gamers worldwide have been hit with the unexpected hurdle as
PayPal
is no longer available as an option for Steam purchases in many countries. While the reason why PayPal pulled out has been linked by many to Steam's current content policies, Valve's explanation seems to stretch far beyond just payment processing.
Here is a complete breakdown of what we know about PayPal Steam withdrawal, which has left the gamers frustrated.
Why did PayPal pull out of Steam?
Valve has confirmed that PayPal has stopped working in many countries. It came after one of PayPal's acquiring banks abruptly ended support for Steam transactions in certain currencies. The move impacts all the currencies apart from CAD, EUR, AUD, GBP, JPY and USD. As per Valve, this decision has been tied to the concerns over Steam adult content that remains available on platform.
While Valve has explained the termination was quite sudden, it has been expressed that there's still hope that PayPal will be restored in the future. However, no clear timeline is available for when this would happen or if it will happen. Valve further stated that the disruption on Steam has been tied to concerns about some content available on Steam. It's a sentiment that echoed in the ongoing disputes with Mastercard over some adult-themed games.
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A spokesperson of Valve has confirmed the withdrawal to be specifically connected to
'content on Steam, related to what we've previously commented on surrounding Mastercard.'
The implications of Valve PayPal issues are quite clear—the payment processors or partner banks are imposing restrictions, ensuring to respond to controversial games that are hosted on Steam.
Collective pressure brings in change
The current issue of PayPal has arrived just weeks after a number of adult-only games got removed by Steam, and new guidelines banning the content-violating rules have been set by card networks, payment processors or the banks.
All these changes have come amidst the pressure from advocacy groups like Collective Shout. The group campaigns against the sexualized depictions of girls and women in the media.
Although Mastercard has denied direct ordering of controversial games removal, Valve did maintain that intermediary banks and the processors play a role in shaping the policy changes. Withdrawal of PayPal for some currencies now seems to be yet another ripple effect of all the behind-the-scenes negotiations between financial partners and platforms.
How will
PayPal unavailability impact
players?
For gamers within the affected regions, PayPal isn't an option for making purchases for now. Steam Wallet codes and the local systems are emerging as short-term Steam payment options for them for now. Despite Valve emphasizing that they hope for PayPal's future restoration on Steam, timelines are uncertain because of the ongoing negotiations.
Steam Purchases BLOCKED By PayPal In Most Countries Over "Content Concerns" INSANE Suppression
While the restrictions are targeting legal yet controversial content on Steam, as per reports, it's been argued by the IGDA that the resulting financial blockade is causing creative suppression. Both the gamers and the developers are calling for some clearer standards and better transparency from the payment companies and the platforms, something that can create a balance between creative freedom and regulatory compliance.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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(Image via Getty Images) Gamers worldwide have been hit with the unexpected hurdle as PayPal is no longer available as an option for Steam purchases in many countries. While the reason why PayPal pulled out has been linked by many to Steam's current content policies, Valve's explanation seems to stretch far beyond just payment processing. Here is a complete breakdown of what we know about PayPal Steam withdrawal, which has left the gamers frustrated. Why did PayPal pull out of Steam? Valve has confirmed that PayPal has stopped working in many countries. It came after one of PayPal's acquiring banks abruptly ended support for Steam transactions in certain currencies. The move impacts all the currencies apart from CAD, EUR, AUD, GBP, JPY and USD. As per Valve, this decision has been tied to the concerns over Steam adult content that remains available on platform. While Valve has explained the termination was quite sudden, it has been expressed that there's still hope that PayPal will be restored in the future. However, no clear timeline is available for when this would happen or if it will happen. Valve further stated that the disruption on Steam has been tied to concerns about some content available on Steam. It's a sentiment that echoed in the ongoing disputes with Mastercard over some adult-themed games. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo A spokesperson of Valve has confirmed the withdrawal to be specifically connected to 'content on Steam, related to what we've previously commented on surrounding Mastercard.' The implications of Valve PayPal issues are quite clear—the payment processors or partner banks are imposing restrictions, ensuring to respond to controversial games that are hosted on Steam. Collective pressure brings in change The current issue of PayPal has arrived just weeks after a number of adult-only games got removed by Steam, and new guidelines banning the content-violating rules have been set by card networks, payment processors or the banks. All these changes have come amidst the pressure from advocacy groups like Collective Shout. The group campaigns against the sexualized depictions of girls and women in the media. Although Mastercard has denied direct ordering of controversial games removal, Valve did maintain that intermediary banks and the processors play a role in shaping the policy changes. Withdrawal of PayPal for some currencies now seems to be yet another ripple effect of all the behind-the-scenes negotiations between financial partners and platforms. How will PayPal unavailability impact players? For gamers within the affected regions, PayPal isn't an option for making purchases for now. Steam Wallet codes and the local systems are emerging as short-term Steam payment options for them for now. Despite Valve emphasizing that they hope for PayPal's future restoration on Steam, timelines are uncertain because of the ongoing negotiations. Steam Purchases BLOCKED By PayPal In Most Countries Over "Content Concerns" INSANE Suppression While the restrictions are targeting legal yet controversial content on Steam, as per reports, it's been argued by the IGDA that the resulting financial blockade is causing creative suppression. Both the gamers and the developers are calling for some clearer standards and better transparency from the payment companies and the platforms, something that can create a balance between creative freedom and regulatory compliance. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
