As of August 29, 2025, Steam has rolled out age verification measures for users in the United Kingdom, requiring them to verify their age with a valid credit card before they can access store pages featuring mature-rated content. The move comes as part of Valve’s effort to comply with the UK Online Safety Act, which will be fully enforced in 2026.
Steam now require UK users to verify their age by adding a credit card as a payment method? pic.twitter.com/p8jqI8BmHC
— Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) August 29, 2025
How the New Verification Works
Unlike other companies that demand photo IDs or complex verification steps, Steam’s process is comparatively simple. UK users just need to:
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Log in and go to Account Details.
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Add a valid credit card, including the cardholder’s name and billing address.
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In some cases, enter a one-time password to complete the verification.
Those who already have a credit card on file with Steam are automatically cleared and won’t need to repeat the process.
Why Valve Implemented the Change
The decision follows Steam’s July 16 publishing rule update, which banned content that violates standards set by its payment processors and network providers. This led to the removal of certain adult-oriented games from the platform. Other storefronts, such as itch.io, introduced similar rules in the aftermath.
With the UK Online Safety Act requiring platforms to enforce stricter age controls, Valve’s new credit card-based system ensures compliance while avoiding more invasive methods.
Growing Controversy Among Gamers
Despite its simplicity, the new rule has sparked backlash from parts of the gaming community:
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Privacy Concerns – Some users are hesitant to share personal billing details with Steam.
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Consumer Rights – Gamers argue that restrictions unfairly block legitimate access to adult content.
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Industry-Wide Trend – Platforms like Xbox and Discord have also introduced stricter age checks, leading some to worry about a broader erosion of digital freedom.
Discord, for instance, asks users to submit ID photos, though some have reportedly bypassed the system using creative workarounds, such as exploiting Death Stranding 2’s photo mode.
What It Means for UK Gamers
For now, UK Steam users must verify their age via credit card to access store and community pages tied to mature content, including games with graphic violence or sexual themes. While this policy is limited to the UK, Valve may face pressure to expand similar measures elsewhere as international regulations tighten.
The change highlights a larger trend: gaming companies are walking a fine line between regulatory compliance, user privacy, and accessibility—a balancing act that will only become more challenging in the coming years.