Epic Games Store mandates age verification for R18+ games in Australia, reflecting ongoing changes in digital marketplace regulation.
This week’s industry news highlights a significant shift in content regulation within digital game stores, marked by the Epic Games Store’s decision to implement age verification for mature-rated games in Australia. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, starting September 9, Epic will require Australian users to confirm they are 18 or older before purchasing or downloading R18+ games. This move aligns with growing regulatory scrutiny on digital marketplaces and underscores the importance of responsible age management in gaming.
Business and Earnings
“Dave the Diver,” a game that combines elements of underwater exploration and sushi-making, has hit an impressive milestone by selling 10 million copies, as GameWorldObserver reports. This achievement reflects the market’s continued appetite for indie games that offer unique and engaging experiences outside the typical action-heavy titles.
Meanwhile, on the platform economy side, Google Play’s planned reduction of its commission rate has been reaffirmed. According to GameWorldObserver, Google aims to lower these fees across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This is part of Google’s ongoing strategic response to legal pressures and competition challenges, initially announced back in March.
Industry Conferences and Contracts
The recent WN Istanbul’26 conference spotlighted the Turkish gaming market’s growth and evolving landscape. Celebrated for its 10th anniversary, the event gathered numerous developers and publishers, sharing insights and potential future trends, as covered by GameWorldObserver.
A significant labor development comes from Blizzard, where union workers have successfully ratified a contract affecting 1,900 employees. This landmark agreement, detailed by GameDeveloper.com, ensures protections around issues such as generative AI usage, layoffs, and work flexibility—a notable stride in labor rights within the gaming industry.
Copyright and Developer Directions
In a somewhat related legal note, the Trump Administration has enforced a takedown of a Tetris clone, “Build The Wall,” after Tetris Holding LLC emphasized its strict stance on copyright violations, as reported by GameDeveloper.com. This instance highlights the ongoing challenges and discussions around intellectual property in gaming.
On a creative note, Shinji Mikami, the notable creator of “Resident Evil,” is set to be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame, according to GamesIndustry.biz. This recognition underscores Mikami’s lasting influence within the gaming narrative and design landscapes.
Finally, Criterion Games is looking ahead with ambitions to reshape its identity within the gaming ecosphere, particularly as it pivots towards “Battlefield,” a departure from its “Burnout” roots. Their aspirations for recognition as a leading UK studio were discussed in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.
