Well, it’s finally happened. We knew it would be coming at some point this month thanks to ongoing implementation of the Australian government’s “Age-Restricted Material Codes,” but PlayStation has begun rolling out age verification for users in Australia, requiring the submission of ID or facial scans in order to be able to obtain and use R18+ content.
The feature has popped up for some, perhaps not yet all, users via a notification from the PlayStation App. It’s unclear if this is being enforced in full right now, as with our own testing we have been able to continue playing R18+ rated games already downloaded and installed, as well as purchase and download new R18+ content, despite the notification suggesting we wouldn’t be able to.
The official wording seems to suggest that PlayStation is getting ahead and asking users to verify now before it drops the hammer. Currently, it appears the process to verify is not actually working for most users.
Here’s what the FAQ page for the change says:
“As part of our commitment to online safety and age-appropriate play, we use age verification to help deliver the best PlayStation experience for your age and to help protect our younger players.
“Age verification will soon be required for Australian adult accounts to add Restricted (R 18+) rated games and content from PlayStation Store to your library. We recommend completing age verification to avoid interruptions.
“If you have not completed age verification, you can continue playing on PlayStation, but you won’t be able to add Restricted (R 18+) rated games and content from PlayStation Store to your library when enforcement begins until you do.”
This comes off the heels of some major decisions in games as far as an Australian audience goes, such as banning Aussies from the casino in GTA Online or refusing to let them buy Halloween: The Game.
This is an ongoing story and we will continue to update…
Born into the world of video games through SEGA, and in particular Sonic the Hedgehog, Kieron’s gaming tastes now consist of the latest, shiny AAA thing, an indie darling or two, and an embarrassing number of hours of Balatro.