Steam's age verification: what does this mean for Australian players?
Intelligence Summary
- Find out how Steam’s new age verification affects Australian gamers and access to R18+ games.
In short
- Steam now requires Australian users to verify their age with a credit card to access R18+ games.
- Without a registered credit card, Australian users cannot browse R18+ game pages.
- These changes are the result of stricter Australian laws regulating online purchases of adult games.
GAME-scanner analysis
Steam’s decision to implement age verification is a direct response to new Australian legislation that requires tighter checks for the purchase of R18+ games. This means players must not only prove their age, but also add a credit card to their account. That could significantly affect access to popular titles such as "The Witcher 3" and "Doom Eternal," as players now have to take extra steps to buy them.
What does this mean for players?
For Australian gamers, this change means extra steps are now required to access adult content. That may frustrate players who do not have a credit card or who prefer to remain anonymous when making purchases. It could also impact R18+ game sales, as some players may decide not to add a credit card to their account. Developers of these games, such as Unknown Worlds, could also see a drop in sales.
Timeline
9 September 2026: Steam implements the new age verification requirements for Australian users.