Microsoft to Require Age Verification for R18 Games in Australia

Microsoft is implementing a mandatory age verification system for Australian users attempting to purchase or access games rated R18 through its Xbox and Microsoft Store platforms. The change, which begins in late August 2026, is a direct response to tightening national regulations concerning the sale of adult content.

The new requirement means that players in Australia will be prompted to verify their age before they can buy or play titles with an R18 classification from the digital storefront. This applies to games purchased for both Xbox consoles and PC through Microsoft's ecosystem. The verification step will interrupt the standard purchase flow, even for users with existing mature accounts. However, Microsoft has stated that games already owned by a user will not be affected by the new policy.

To comply with the regulations, Microsoft is offering several verification methods. Users may be able to complete a simple email-based check, or they can opt for a facial age estimation via a "secure selfie," a valid credit card, or a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport. The verification process is being handled by a third-party provider, VerifyMy. Users who do...