"Scratching an Itch": A Protest Game against Censorship on Itch.io

 Amidst the ongoing debate about the censorship of NSFW content on various platforms, developer Arty Farty Games has released a game that not only seeks to entertain but also to challenge the boundaries of creative expression.

"Scratching an Itch" is a free visual novel available on Itch.io that openly positions itself as a protest game. Arty Farty Games aims to raise awareness about the removal of adult content from platforms like Itch.io and Steam, arguing that this action limits artistic freedom and treats adults as if they cannot make their own decisions about the content they consume.

A Story with a Message

The game is presented as a dating sim, but with a subversive twist. Although it contains adult themes, the developer has chosen to censor explicit content in an "elegant" way, highlighting the absurdity of censorship itself. The game's description on Itch.io makes it clear: "It’s bold. It’s queer. It’s unapologetically sexy. And yes, it’s been tastefully censored—just enough to protect your fragile sensibilities from the horrors of pixelated skin. Because apparently, treating adults like adults is too much to ask."

The game's message centers on creative freedom and the right of adults to enjoy content they desire without intervention from "moral crusaders" or "corporate gatekeepers."

Screenshots

Selection screen from the game "Scratching an Itch".

Download and Support

"Scratching an Itch" is available for free download on Itch.io for various platforms, including HTML5 (for playing in the browser), Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Arty Farty Games encourages players to share the game, stream it live, and talk about it to spread the message.

Furthermore, the developer has linked a petition on Change.org requesting that Mastercard and Visa stop controlling the content that users can view, read, or play, highlighting the influence that financial companies can have on freedom of expression.

Conclusion

"Scratching an Itch" is more than just a game; it's a statement. It's a call to action to protect creative freedom and to remind the world that adults have the right to make their own decisions about the entertainment they consume.

Link to the game: https://artyfartygames.itch.io/scratching-an-itch