Starting on September 9, Epic Games will require anyone in Australia who wishes to download or purchase games classified as R18+ on the Epic Games Store to first prove that they are at least 18 years old. This new requirement is designed to bring the store into compliance with Australia’s online safety regulations, which mandate that adult‑only digital content be restricted to users who have verified their age. The change will not affect games that a player already owns, nor will it impact titles that carry a rating below R18+; those will continue to be accessible without additional checks. The age‑verification procedure will be handled through Epic’s pre‑existing Kids Web Services (KWS) infrastructure.
To give users flexibility, Epic is expanding KWS with several third‑party verification options. Players will be able to confirm their age by uploading a selfie that is matched against an identity database via Yoti, by providing a credit‑card verification through Stripe, or by submitting a government‑issued identification document that is checked by Veriff. A fourth method, which will involve a bank‑account verification process using ConnectID, is slated to become available later in September. Epic has emphasized that any personal data collected during these checks will be used solely for the purpose of confirming a user’s age.
The company says the information will be stored separately from the rest of the KWS system and will not be used for any other purpose, such as marketing or profiling. This approach is intended to address privacy concerns while still meeting the legal obligations imposed by Australian authorities. The move follows a broader industry trend toward stricter age‑gating for mature content.
Just last month, Microsoft rolled out a similar age‑verification requirement for its Xbox and Microsoft Store platforms in Australia. Under that system, users must verify their age before they can purchase or play R18+ games on either console or PC, aligning the service with the same national regulations. Microsoft first introduced comparable checks in the United Kingdom in July 2025, shortly after the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) came into effect, which also mandates age verification for adult‑only digital media.
Valve has taken a comparable step on its Steam platform, launching an age‑verification system for UK users to ensure that only adults can access mature‑rated games. While the UK and Australian policies differ in some details, the underlying principle is the same: to prevent minors from inadvertently accessing content that is intended for adults. For Australian gamers, the new Epic verification process will likely be encountered at the point of purchase or download.
When a user attempts to obtain an R18+ title, the store will prompt them to select one of the available verification methods. After successful completion, the user will be granted immediate access to the game.
If verification fails or the user chooses not to provide the required information, the transaction will be blocked, and the user will be informed that they cannot proceed without confirming their age. Industry observers note that the inclusion of multiple verification options is a pragmatic choice.
Some users may be uncomfortable sharing a selfie or may not have a credit card, while others might prefer the simplicity of a bank‑account check. By offering a suite of alternatives, Epic hopes to minimize friction and maintain a smooth purchasing experience, even as it adds an extra layer of security. Privacy advocates have praised the company’s statement that verification data will be kept separate from other user data, but they continue to monitor how the information is stored and for how long. In jurisdictions with strict data‑protection laws, such as the European Union’s GDPR, companies must be transparent about data handling practices, and similar expectations are growing in Australia.
The rollout of these age‑verification measures also raises questions about the broader impact on the gaming market. Some analysts predict that requiring age checks could deter casual shoppers who are put off by the additional steps, potentially affecting sales of mature titles. Conversely, other experts argue that the measures could enhance consumer confidence, reassuring parents and guardians that platforms are taking responsible steps to protect younger players.
Overall, Epic Games’ decision to integrate age verification for R18+ games in Australia reflects a growing alignment between the gaming industry and governmental efforts to regulate digital content for minors. By leveraging its existing Kids Web Services platform and partnering with reputable third‑party verification providers, Epic aims to balance compliance, user convenience, and privacy. As similar policies continue to emerge worldwide, gamers can expect age‑gating to become a standard feature across major digital storefronts, ensuring that adult‑only content remains appropriately restricted while still being readily accessible to those who meet the legal age requirements.