Australians must now prove their age to buy R18+ games on the Xbox store

Australians must now prove their age to buy R18+ games on the Xbox store Microsoft is the first among major games platforms to implement stricter age verification. If you use the Xbox store to buy either Xbox or PC games—and yes, the latter is possible—you may be prompted to verify your age the next time you try to buy an R18+ game. Microsoft confirmed as much via emails sent to users over the weekend, which I received. "Starting August 2026, to comply with Australia regulations, you may need to verify your age before purchasing or accessing apps and games rated 18+ on Microsoft Store and Xbox Store," the email reads.