Starting on September 9, Epic Games will require players in Australia to prove they are at least 18 years old before they can purchase or download any game that carries an R18+ rating on the Epic Games Store. This policy change is intended to bring the digital storefront into compliance with Australia’s online safety code, which mandates that adult‑oriented content be restricted to users who have verified their age. The new requirement will not affect games that a user already owns, nor will it impact titles that are rated below the R18+ threshold.
The age‑checking mechanism will be powered by Epic’s pre‑existing Kids Web Services (KWS) infrastructure, which is being expanded to include a suite of third‑party verification tools. Players will be able to choose from several methods to confirm their age: a selfie‑based verification service provided by Yoti, a credit‑card check facilitated through Stripe, or a government‑issued identification verification handled by Veriff. Each of these options is designed to be quick and user‑friendly while still meeting the stringent requirements set out by Australian regulators.
In addition to the three initial methods, Epic has announced that a fourth verification pathway—bank‑account validation via ConnectID—will be rolled out later in September. This will give users yet another convenient way to satisfy the age‑check requirement, especially for those who may not have a suitable credit card or who prefer not to upload a personal photograph. Epic has emphasized that any personal data gathered through these verification processes will be used solely for the purpose of confirming a player’s age.
The information will be stored separately from the main KWS database and will not be leveraged for marketing, advertising, or any other non‑essential purposes. This separation is intended to reassure users that their privacy will be protected even as the company introduces more robust age‑gating measures.
The move by Epic follows a broader industry trend toward stricter age verification for adult‑rated games in Australia. Just last month, Microsoft began rolling out a similar system for its Xbox and Microsoft Store platforms.
Australian users of those services now have to verify their age before they can access R18+ titles on both console and PC. Microsoft’s rollout aligns with the same Australian regulations that are prompting Epic’s new policy. Microsoft’s age‑verification initiative is not limited to Australia.
In July 2025, the company introduced comparable checks in the United Kingdom after the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (OSA) launched new rules for online content. This demonstrates a growing global consensus that digital game stores must take proactive steps to prevent minors from accessing mature content.
Valve has also joined the wave of compliance. The Steam platform introduced age verification for UK users to unlock mature‑content sections, ensuring that only players who can legally view such material are allowed access. While Valve’s system is currently focused on the UK market, the precedent it sets may encourage other platforms, including Epic, to adopt similar safeguards in additional regions. For Australian gamers, the practical impact of Epic’s new policy will be relatively straightforward.
When a user attempts to download or purchase an R18+ game, they will be prompted to select one of the verification options. If they choose the selfie route, they will be asked to capture a clear image of themselves holding a piece of identification, which Yoti will then compare against facial recognition algorithms. Those who prefer the credit‑card method will enter their card details, and Stripe will confirm that the card is issued to an adult holder. The Veriff option requires users to upload a scan or photo of a government‑issued ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport, which will be cross‑checked against official databases.
Once the verification is successful, the system will flag the user’s account as age‑approved, allowing them to proceed with the transaction. If verification fails or the user declines to provide the requested information, they will be blocked from accessing the R18+ title until they complete the process.
Existing owners of R18+ games will retain access without interruption, as the verification requirement applies only to new purchases and downloads. Industry analysts view Epic’s decision as both a compliance measure and a strategic move to maintain consumer trust.
By offering multiple verification pathways, Epic reduces friction for legitimate adult gamers while upholding regulatory standards. Moreover, the transparent handling of personal data—storing it separately from the main KWS system—helps mitigate privacy concerns that have plagued other age‑gating attempts in the past. Overall, the introduction of age verification on the Epic Games Store marks a significant step toward aligning digital game distribution with Australia’s evolving online safety framework.
As more platforms adopt similar measures, the gaming ecosystem is likely to see a more consistent and secure environment for adult content, balancing the needs of mature audiences with the protection of younger players.