Microsoft’s approach to age verification in Australia is further proof that Valve is taking the everloving piss
Valve’s implementation of age verification requirements for Steam in Australia has drawn criticism for being poorly suited to the market. Under new regulations, players must provide details for an active credit card to verify they are over 18 and purchase age-restricted games. This is problematic because credit card usage is uncommon in Australia, where alternative payment methods and identification verification are more prevalent.
Unlike most other gaming platforms and digital storefronts that offer multiple age verification methods, Steam provides only the credit card option. Adding to the frustration, even longtime Steam users who opened their accounts years ago and already own R18+ games in their libraries are required to undergo this verification process.
The rigid approach highlights a mismatch between Valve’s one-size-fits-all policy and regional payment habits, leaving Australian gamers with limited options despite being existing customers. While age verification is a legal requirement in Australia for restricted content, competitors have demonstrated that accommodating regional differences is both possible and preferable.