PC game retailer Steam explains why PayPal is no longer available in some countries

It has been revealed that the payment service PayPal is no longer available on the PC gaming platform Steam in some countries. Valve , the company that operates Steam, has explained why PayPal is no longer available.

Valve explain why using PayPal for Steam purchases isn't currently an option in a whole bunch of countries | Rock Paper Shotgun
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/valve-explain-why-using-paypal-for-steam-purchases-isnt-currently-an-option-in-a-whole-bunch-of-countries

Valve Explains Why PayPay Doesn't Work In Some Countries - GameSpot
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/valve-explains-why-paypay-doesnt-work-in-some-countries/1100-6533975/

On July 16, 2025, Steam updated the ' Steamworks Documentation ' available to game developers, adding a rule that prohibits content from being published on Steam, including 'content that may violate the rules or standards established by Steam's payment service providers, associated card networks, banks, internet network providers, etc., in particular certain types of adult-rated (adult-only) content.' At the same time as Steam updated its rules, a large number of adult games began to be removed from Steam. The reason for Steam's removal of games was revealed in a victory speech by the anti-pornography group Collective Shout, which pressured the payment platform.

After Steam removed a large number of adult games, anti-pornography groups declared a 'victory against pedophile gamers,' and 'Gamers Outraged' became a trending topic on Japan's X (formerly Twitter) - GIGAZINE

Additionally, it has been revealed that Steam no longer accepts PayPal payments in some countries. Users in some countries began reporting that PayPal was no longer available on Steam around July 2025 .

Valve has published a FAQ on the 'Purchase Issues' page on Steam's official support page asking, 'Why is PayPal not currently available on Steam in my currency?', explaining, 'In early July 2025, PayPal notified Valve that its acquiring bank for certain currencies would immediately stop processing Steam-related transactions. This affects Steam purchases made using PayPal in currencies other than Euros, Canadian Dollars, Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, and US Dollars. We hope to offer PayPal as an option for these currencies in the future, but the timing has not been determined. We are also considering adding additional payment methods on Steam for customers affected by this.'

Steam Support :: Purchasing Issues
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/731C-13C7-7D04-A11E#purpp

When gaming media Rock Paper Shotgun reported that PayPal was no longer available on Steam, Valve responded by saying, 'In this case, one of PayPal's acquiring banks decided to stop processing Steam transactions, which has resulted in the unavailability of PayPal on Steam for multiple currencies.' Valve explained that while PayPal has not directly pressured them, PayPal is no longer available in some countries because payment processors have stopped doing business with Steam.

Valve also revealed that when Steam was forced to remove some of its adult games, it was pressure from payment processors, not from credit card company Mastercard.

Mastercard claims it 'did not request any restrictions' on games on Steam or itch.io, but claims Valve pressured it through payment processors - GIGAZINE