Valve has tightened access to mature-rated games on Steam for players in Australia, requiring a valid local credit card to verify age. This change blocks new purchases of R18+ titles until users update their payment methods, though it does not stop access to games already in a library. The update forces a specific financial step for compliance, impacting how Australian gamers interact with the store's adult content section.
Policy blocks new R18+ purchases until local credit card is added
The policy stems from a requirement in the Age-Restricted Material App Distribution Services Code, which mandates that Valve confirm users are 18 or older before granting access to mature content. Steam now displays a message instructing users to add a valid Australian credit card to their account and update their Mature Content Preferences. This verification step is a direct response to regulatory obligations in the region.
The verification process specifically rejects PayPal accounts linked to debit cards, limiting users to traditional credit cards issued in Australia. While new purchases of R18+ games are blocked until this card is added, users can still launch previously purchased R18+ games and access community pages without completing the verification. This distinction separates existing ownership from new market access.
Similar age verification checks are already in place for Xbox and PlayStation consoles in Australia, implemented by Sony and Microsoft. Valve's move aligns Steam with these console platforms, creating a consistent barrier for accessing adult-rated software across major gaming ecosystems in the country. The change ensures that all digital storefronts adhere to the same local age-gating standards.
Source: TweakTown
