Steam’s New UK Policy Demands Credit Card to Access Mature Games

In a borderline dystopian move, Steam has announced that UK users will now need to link a credit card to their account to access mature-rated games and their associated community hubs, yep we are being completely serious. So, if you want to play or even browse adult content, you’ll need to authorize a UK-based credit card. No card, no access.

The policy is Steam’s response to new online safety regulations from Ofcom, the UK’s independent digital watchdog. According to Ofcom’s guidance under the Online Safety Act (OSA), credit card checks are considered a “highly effective” age assurance method. Why? Wonderful question! Because in the UK, you must be 18 or older to get a credit card. So their logic is: if you’ve got one, you’re old enough.

What Steam Says (And What It Doesn’t)

Steam’s support page claims that no other personal data—like your game library or browsing history—is shared with third parties. The verification process includes a £0 authorization charge, which is basically a test ping to confirm the card is legit. It’s not a purchase, but it’s still a hoop to jump through.

What Steam doesn’t address is how this impacts users who don’t have access to credit cards or who prefer not to link financial data to their gaming accounts. Everyone knows the truth, though—this isn’t just about age. It’s about control, compliance, and convenience for the platform, not the player.

The Bigger Picture: Payment Processors Are Already Cracking Down

This move comes on the heels of other payment processor drama. PayPal recently restricted which currencies Steam could process, thanks to pressure from banking institutions over explicit content. So Steam’s not just reacting to government oversight—it’s also trying to stay in the good graces of financial gatekeepers.

It’s a messy intersection of regulation, monetization, and digital access. And once again, the user experience is the first casualty.

Final Thoughts: Steam’s Age Verification Feels Like a Shortcut

Steam’s new UK policy isn’t just a technical update—it’s a philosophical one. It says, “We’d rather outsource age verification to your bank than build a system that respects nuance.” And while it might satisfy regulators, it leaves a lot of users out in the cold.

If you’re in the UK and want to access mature content on Steam, you’ll need to link a credit card. If you’re not comfortable with that, your options are limited. Because apparently, in 2025, the best way to prove you’re an adult is to hand over your financial credentials.

Welcome to the future. Hope you brought your wallet.