Microsoft Refusing to Sell 18-Rated Games on Windows 8 Marketplace

By Gary Cutlack on at

Microsoft has got itself into a bit of a pickle regarding the direct selling of digital games through its Windows 8 Marketplace, with the result being that no 18-rated titles will be available to buy through its PC store in the UK.

The revelation comes from Microsoft's updated Win 8 app certification guidelines, which state that "Apps with a rating over PEGI 16, ESRB MATURE, or that contain content that would warrant such a rating, are not allowed."

This mess is exacerbated by the fact that we've been trying so hard to simplify game age ratings here in the UK, recently introducing a new, universal rating system. However, that counts for nothing as far as MS is concerned, with the software giant apparently banning the future sale of anything that's likely to pick up a strict rating for sexy or violent gaming content.

Although it's unlikely to have much effect on most PC gamers. The majority of PC users are unlikely to buy their titles through Microsoft's own app store, so there's no need to panic that your brand new Win 8 PC won't run GTA V next year. It just won't be in Microsoft's holy listings. [Casey Muratori via]