Starting on September 9, Epic Games will introduce a mandatory age‑verification step for Australian users who wish to purchase or download games classified as R18+ on the Epic Games Store. This new requirement means that before a player can access any adult‑rated title, they must first confirm that they are at least 18 years old. The policy aligns the store’s practices with Australia’s online safety framework, which mandates stricter controls over the distribution of mature content to ensure that minors are protected from inappropriate material. According to a report from PocketGamer.biz, Epic clarified that the age‑check will not affect games that are already owned by a user, nor will it impact titles that carry a rating below R18+.
In other words, the verification barrier is applied solely to new transactions involving adult‑rated games, leaving existing libraries and lower‑rated content untouched. The verification itself will be handled through Epic’s established Kids Web Services (KWS) infrastructure. To make the process as flexible as possible, Epic is integrating several third‑party verification providers, giving players a choice of how they prove their age. The options currently available include: 1.
**Selfie verification via Yoti** – Users can submit a real‑time selfie that is matched against facial‑recognition technology to confirm their identity and age. 2. **Credit‑card verification through Stripe** – By entering a valid credit‑card number, the system can cross‑reference the cardholder’s age information.
3. **Government‑issued ID verification via Veriff** – Players may upload a scan or photo of an official identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport, which is then validated by Veriff’s compliance tools. A fourth verification pathway, which will involve bank‑account confirmation through ConnectID, is slated to roll out later in September.
This staggered approach allows Epic to gather feedback on the initial methods before expanding the suite of options. Epic emphasized that any personal data collected during the verification process will be used exclusively for age confirmation and will be stored separately from the broader Kids Web Services database. The company asserts that it will not share this information with advertisers or third parties unrelated to the verification function, thereby aiming to protect user privacy while meeting regulatory obligations. The move mirrors similar steps taken by other major platform holders in the region.
Last month, Microsoft began enforcing age‑verification protocols for its Xbox and Microsoft Stores in Australia, requiring users to prove they are of legal age before they can purchase or play R18+ titles on either console or PC. Microsoft’s rollout follows its earlier implementation of age checks in the United Kingdom, which began in July 2025 after the Office of the eSafety Commissioner introduced new guidelines for adult content. Valve’s Steam platform has also adopted comparable measures in the UK, where users must undergo an age‑verification process to access mature‑rating games.
These industry‑wide shifts reflect a growing consensus that digital storefronts need robust mechanisms to enforce age‑appropriate access, particularly as online gaming continues to expand its reach among younger audiences. From a broader perspective, the introduction of age verification on the Epic Games Store is part of a larger trend toward tighter regulation of digital content.
Governments worldwide are increasingly scrutinizing how video game retailers handle age‑restricted material, and platforms are responding by integrating more sophisticated identity‑checking tools. For gamers, this means an extra step before making a purchase, but it also offers reassurance that the ecosystem is taking responsibility for safeguarding minors. For developers and publishers, the new policy could have several implications. First, it may affect sales pipelines for titles that rely heavily on the Australian market, as the additional friction could deter some impulse purchases.
However, the clear communication from Epic—that existing libraries remain unaffected—should mitigate concerns about retroactive restrictions. Second, the verification data, while limited to age confirmation, could provide valuable insights into demographic trends if aggregated responsibly, helping creators tailor content and marketing strategies. In practice, the verification flow is designed to be user‑friendly. A player attempting to buy an R18+ game will be prompted with a concise message explaining the requirement, followed by a selection screen where they can choose their preferred verification method.
Once the chosen method is completed—whether through a quick selfie, a credit‑card entry, or an ID upload—the system will instantly confirm eligibility and allow the transaction to proceed. If verification fails, the user will receive guidance on alternative methods, ensuring they have multiple avenues to satisfy the age check. Overall, Epic Games’ decision to enforce age verification for adult‑rated titles in Australia reflects both regulatory compliance and a commitment to responsible gaming.
By leveraging existing infrastructure and offering a suite of verification options, the company aims to balance user convenience with the need to protect younger audiences from unsuitable content. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, such measures are likely to become standard practice across the industry, shaping how gamers of all ages interact with online storefronts.