Hiya, I know it may already sound disgusting what im asking for, but please do read this before you mindlessly start hating on it.

I wanted to share an idea that might help Steam continue to support its wide range of games from all kinds of genres, from your normal everyday shoot em up to psychological horrors, while reducing public controversies around adult or extreme content that could rope in masterfully crafted games that sharply contrast from heavy nsfw dumps.

Currently, Steam hosts quite the variety of games. While freedom for creators is arguably the most important part of this app, the presence of extreme content that slips through moderation sometimes leads to public backlash, which can unfairly reflect on unrelated high quality games and the platform as a whole, like ive written earlier. The perfect example of this the recent scandal of the heavy male dom, blackmail nsfw game "No Mercy" which had tarnished many peoples views of Steam

To address this, I would propose on creating a seperate, contained platform for adult and/or extreme content which is, of course, fully isolated from the main Steam storefront. I would call it, the Swamp, although I of course lead that decision up to Valve if they even want to consider this vile idea.

Some key features that absolutely should be included into this new "Swamp" are: Age verification through ID or other government licensed documents: To ensure all users are of appropriate age, of course. 18, no lower, no exceptions.
Internal credit system, seperate from Steam points: To manage microtransactions within the platform, which would reduce the exposure of payment processors to sensitive content.
Heavy, HEAVY moderation safeguards: To prevent illegal material while still allowing creators freedom to explore extreme mature themes.
Discovery through intentional access only: This may be the stupidest idea, but still, I think itd be a unique idea to make it so the "Swamp" would be hidden in the adult only section of Steams search page. That way, the "Swamp" could be viewed as a modern Polybius, but for, well, NSFW.

The goal of this would be to give developers the freedom to create RESPONSIBLY while protecting Steams broader ecosystem from controversy. It could also serve as a unique platform for experimental or niche games without impacting the public perception of Steam or its other titles. After all, who knows? Maybe the next big hit game might be made in the "Swamp" (Highly doubt, but still)

I think this approach could benefit all parties: Valve protects its brand, earns an extra buck or few, developers gain creative freedom and users have safe, legal access to extreme content they wanted to explore but couldnt anywhere else.

While I do understand this decision might have an even bigger impact on Steam`s image, but, in my eyes, I see the current condition of Steam as a marketplace of pristine games which could begin to face even more increasing and serious challenges if its developers, whether they may be new or seasoned, are constrained or if certain types of their content sparks controversy. In short, I believe that by creative a seperate, contained platform for adult or extreme content, Steam can continue to support creative freedom while protecting the reputation of its main storefront. This approach would allow the platform to maintain its integrity, continue to shield its perfect titles from unfair and surface level backlash and provide a safe, responsible environment for creators and users. This would strengthen Steam`s position as a platform that values both innovation and responsible content management, ensuring long term stability and trust from its community.

I apologise in advance if this idea seems insensitive and delusional for wanting to create a haven for gooners and creeps. But I believe its best to create the "Swamp" before the horny side of the internet bring upon the downfall of Steam, as a platform for quality games and skilled developers to unite under a well regulated environment.

Thank You very much for reading this rant/idea and considering it, if even. I likely wont be reading any comments since I just wanted this idea to get out of my head once and for all since its been bugging me for a bit. Have a pleasant rest of your day/night :D