Steam's Australia age verification sparks frustration as Microsoft offers easier alternative

Steam players in Australia are frustrated with Valve's new age verification requirements, which mandate a credit card as the sole proof of age to purchase R18+ games. The requirement applies even to long-standing accounts with existing R18+ titles in their libraries.

The friction stems from Australian payment habits. Credit cards are rarely used in the country compared to other payment methods, making Valve's single verification option impractical for many players.

Microsoft's approach offers a stark contrast. The company sent notifications to Australian account holders stating that longstanding account activity would automatically verify age status. As one email explained: "Due to your longstanding account activity, we've estimated your profile to be an adult account and updated its age verification status to 'Verified.' At this time, you are no longer required to complete further age verification for uninterrupted access to features across certain Microsoft products, including Microsoft and Xbox storefronts."

While alternative verification methods like facial recognition or government ID scanning raise their own privacy concerns, Valve's single requirement appears particularly tone-deaf to the Australian market. Some view the approach as technical compliance that actively discourages purchases, creating unnecessary barriers for legitimate adult buyers.

PC players seeking alternatives to Steam for purchasing R18+ games now have incentive to explore other digital storefronts.