Epic Games has announced that, beginning on September 9, Australian gamers will be required to prove they are at least 18 years old before they can download or purchase any games that carry an R18+ rating on the Epic Games Store. This new policy is designed to bring the company’s practices into compliance with Australia’s online safety code, which mandates that adult‑oriented digital content be shielded from under‑age users. It’s important to note that this age‑check requirement will not affect games that are already owned by players, nor will it apply to titles that are rated below the R18+ threshold; those can continue to be accessed without additional verification.
The verification process will be integrated into Epic’s pre‑existing Kids Web Services (KWS) infrastructure. To make the system as user‑friendly as possible, Epic is expanding the range of third‑party verification methods that can be used. Players will be able to select from several options: a selfie verification service provided by Yoti, a credit‑card based check through Stripe, or a government‑issued identification verification offered by Veriff.
Each of these methods is intended to confirm the user’s age while minimizing inconvenience. A fourth verification pathway, which will involve bank‑account validation via ConnectID, is slated to become available later in September, giving even more flexibility to users who prefer that route.
Epic has emphasized that any personal data collected during the verification steps will be used solely for the purpose of confirming a user’s age. The company assures that this information will be processed independently of the broader Kids Web Services system, thereby limiting the exposure of sensitive data and adhering to privacy best practices. By keeping the age‑verification data separate, Epic aims to reassure both regulators and consumers that the process is secure and limited in scope. This move follows a broader industry trend toward stricter age‑gating for mature content in Australia.
Just last month, Microsoft rolled out a comparable age‑verification requirement for Xbox and Microsoft Store users in the region. Under that scheme, Australian gamers must verify their age before they are permitted to purchase or play R18+ titles on either console or PC platforms, aligning Microsoft’s approach with local regulatory expectations.
Microsoft’s rollout in Australia mirrors earlier implementations in other markets; for instance, the company introduced age verification in the United Kingdom in July 2025, shortly after the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) came into effect. Valve, the operator of the Steam platform, has also taken steps to comply with similar regulations. In the United Kingdom, Steam now requires users to undergo age verification before they can access mature‑content games, a policy that was introduced to satisfy the OSA’s requirements for safeguarding younger audiences online. These industry‑wide changes illustrate a growing consensus among major digital distribution platforms that robust age‑verification mechanisms are essential for meeting government standards and protecting minors from inappropriate material.
The introduction of age checks on the Epic Games Store is expected to have several practical implications for Australian gamers. First, the verification process will add an extra step before the purchase or download of R18+ titles, which could slightly lengthen the checkout experience. However, the multiple verification options are designed to reduce friction; for example, users who already have a credit card on file with Stripe may find the verification to be almost instantaneous, while those who prefer a more visual confirmation can opt for the Yoti selfie method. Second, developers and publishers of mature‑rated games may see a shift in their audience demographics, as the barrier to entry could deter some younger players who might otherwise attempt to bypass age restrictions.
From a regulatory perspective, Epic’s decision demonstrates a proactive stance toward compliance. By aligning its policies with the Australian e‑safety framework, the company not only avoids potential fines or legal challenges but also positions itself as a responsible steward of digital content.
The Australian government has been increasingly vigilant about online safety, and platforms that fail to implement adequate age‑gating measures risk facing scrutiny from bodies such as the eSafety Commissioner. Looking ahead, the addition of the ConnectID bank‑verification option later in September suggests that Epic is committed to continuously enhancing its verification ecosystem.
This could set a precedent for other regions where similar age‑restriction laws are being considered or already in force. As the global conversation around digital safety evolves, it is likely that more jurisdictions will adopt stringent age‑verification requirements, prompting platforms like Epic, Microsoft, and Valve to refine and expand their compliance tools. In summary, starting September 9, Australian users of the Epic Games Store will need to confirm they are 18 or older before accessing any R18+ games. The verification will be handled through Epic’s Kids Web Services, offering several third‑party methods—including selfie verification, credit‑card checks, and government ID validation—with an additional bank‑verification option forthcoming.
This initiative aligns Epic with Australian online safety regulations, mirrors similar steps taken by Microsoft and Valve in other markets, and underscores the industry’s broader shift toward more rigorous age‑gating for adult content. The move aims to protect younger audiences while maintaining a streamlined experience for adult gamers, balancing regulatory compliance with user convenience.