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Steam Age Check Locks Out 65% of Adult Australians [2026] (tech-insider.org)

submitted 6 days ago by eremophila@lemmy.zip to c/australia@aussie.zone

68 comments fedilink hide all child comments

"Steam started blocking Australian users from viewing or buying 18+ rated games on September 9, 2026, unless they attach a valid credit card to their account. Valve’s rollout affects hundreds of mature-rated titles, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom Eternal, and it doesn’t matter whether the account is brand new or fifteen years old with a library full of paid-for adult games. Without a credit card on file, those store pages, search results, and even home-page recommendations simply disappear."

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[–] OriginEnergySux@lemmy.world 5 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

For me, my debit card thats tied to my homeloan account works (ill never get a credit card and pay annual fees just to age-check a fucking game) but i've found after a few days it forgets and i gotta add the card all over again.

Also seems to be random with how it determines what games are age checked. Metal Gear Solid needs age verification but Bloodtrail (a fucking Vr serial killer simulator) is all g

[–] eremophila@lemmy.zip 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Last time I checked Bank Australia still had a no fee credit card, that was probably a year ago. No fee cards seem to be very rare now. I no longer have, or want a credit card at all.

I'm holding off on trying my 2 (visa, non big bank) debit cards for now, since this appears to be such a mess.

Steam should have contacted account holders with accurate details already, they are still sending me wishlist emails.

[–] OriginEnergySux@lemmy.world 0 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I dont know why its tied to credit cards. Porn sites accept a face scan lol id rather that

[–] eremophila@lemmy.zip 4 points 5 days ago

I have zero interest in using a 3rd party app with, or without a photo (but especially with) to verify my age, or identity

I basically trust steam (not as much as their plethora of fans), so I wouldn't have a real issue with adding a debit card if that worked.

This really does not bode well though.