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- Steam has introduced an age verification system in the UK for ESRB 17+ games.
- Many acclaimed AAA titles carry the ESRB 17+ rating, meaning unverified players won’t be able to access them.
- Even accounts that are over 18 years old must still go through the verification process.
The UK’s new online age verification system for accessing adult content is facing heavy criticism from the public. While the government insists the move is meant to protect children, many view it as an overreaching and controlling strategy.
Gamers are not exempt from these changes. In the UK, players will now need to verify their age before accessing ESRB 17+ games on platforms like Steam. Without verification, these titles will remain inaccessible.
Why it matters: Countless ESRB 17+ games on Steam will be inaccessible without age verification, a move that is likely to spark widespread criticism.
To access mature-rated games or their community hubs on Steam, you must be signed in with age-restricted content enabled. However, for UK users, the opt-in process will now require age verification.
Games such as Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, the Battlefield series, Elden Ring, the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, the Resident Evil franchise, and The Last of Us games all carry the ESRB Mature 17+ rating, commonly referred to as the ‘Mature’ rating.
The document explains that in the UK, you must be 18 years old to obtain a credit card. This makes credit cards a straightforward way to verify age when accessing or purchasing ESRB 17+ games, though other verification methods may also be used.
However, this move drew criticism, as even accounts nearly 20 years old must verify age. Many argue that accounts active for over 18 years should be auto-verified, but they aren’t.
What are your thoughts on Steam applying these new rules for the UK players? Share them with us in the comments section below or join the Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.
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[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
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