Itch.io Blocked in Russia Amidst Escalating Censorship
Moscow – Russian authorities have blocked access to itch.io,a popular online platform for independent game developers and players,according to reports surfacing this week. The move, carried out by Roskomnadzor – Russia’s media monitoring and censorship agency – further restricts digital freedoms within the country, notably following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine.
The block was first noted by users on Reddit and Resetera, who reported the platform became inaccessible without explanation.While an official statement from Roskomnadzor has not been released, speculation suggests the ban may stem from content within games hosted on itch.io,potentially relating to LGBTQ+ themes or the ongoing war in Ukraine.
itch.io has become a vital resource for independent game creators, offering a direct-to-consumer model that bypasses traditional publishing gatekeepers. The platform hosts a diverse catalog of titles, often featuring experimental or politically charged content not typically found on larger storefronts. This independence has made it a target for censorship in countries with restrictive internet policies.
Despite the block, Russian users can still access itch.io through the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). However, the incident raises concerns about the future availability of other gaming services within Russia as censorship efforts continue to intensify.
