Steam Makes Australian Gamers Rage With New Age Verification Policy

Valve has updated its policies on Steam in Australia, requiring users to have a credit card to verify their age in order to purchase 18+ rated games. This recent change comes in the wake of new legislation that could subject Valve to multi-million-dollar fines for non-compliance. While business-wise this step is necessary to meet legal requirements, it has left scores of consumers locked out of buying adult-rated titles.

Under the updated system, providing a valid Australian credit card is the sole method available to verify age, as other traditional verification means do not work. In Australia, individuals must be 18 years old to obtain a credit card. Attempting to purchase an adult-rated game without verification triggers a prompt stating that Valve must comply with the Age-Restricted Material App Distribution Services Code. The message instructs users to add a valid Australian credit card to their account and update their Mature Content Preferences.

The system has presented hurdles for many gamers. While users can bypass the blocker using third-party reseller sites to purchase game keys, it remains an imperfect solution. A single point of failure on the storefront, the policy prevents individuals who do not have or want a credit card from verifying their age. Even more concerning for some users is that players cannot access 18+ rated games they already own if they have not proven their age through a credit card.

The revelation prompted backlash from Australian gamers on social media. Critics expressed frustration over the requirement, with one long-time account holder noting they do not own a credit card by choice for personal financial protection. Another user questioned how they are expected to manage the restriction on a long-standing account simply because they choose not to use a credit card.