Steam abides by the UK's age verification regulations, ensuring user data isn't shared with external entities, demonstrating superior practice compared to Xbox.
In the world of gaming, age verification is becoming a common requirement for accessing certain content and social features. Two popular platforms, Xbox and Steam, have recently implemented age verification measures, and this article will delve into the details of these processes.
Age Verification on Xbox
Microsoft, the company behind Xbox, has partnered with a third-party firm, Yoti, for age verification. Users can provide age verification through several methods, even without a credit card. Here's an overview of the available options:
Options for Age Verification without a Credit Card
- Microsoft Store Gift Cards (Xbox Gift Cards) - These can be purchased in retail stores and redeemed on your Microsoft account. They allow you to access free, rated content (such as Pegi 12, 16, 18). During the first purchase, an age verification is required, which can be made through a credit card, PayPal, mobile phone bill, or gift card itself.
After the initial verification, further registration or purchases usually do not require another age verification, as long as your account remains unchanged.
- PayPal Account Linking - Linking a PayPal account with your Microsoft account also allows for age verification, as PayPal requests confirmation during the linking process.
- Mobile Phone Bill (Pay by Mobile) - In some countries, purchases can be made through mobile phone bills. The age verification is handled by the mobile phone provider.
- Parental App (Microsoft Family Safety App) - For minors or child accounts, parents can use the Microsoft Family Safety App to manage applications, settings, and age restrictions, and potentially obtain age verifications for children.
- Other Payment Methods - In some regions, Microsoft accepts bank transfers or other payment methods that allow for identity verification. However, this is not available everywhere.
Practical Tips
- Initial Age Verification: After the initial verification (using one of the methods mentioned above), further verification is usually not necessary, as long as your account remains unchanged.
- Regional Differences: The availability of these methods depends on the country. Check the official Microsoft pages for your region.
- Support Help: If you cannot use any of the methods, contact the Microsoft Support for assistance.
It's important to note that, with the latest email from Xbox, age verification will be required for full access to social features like voice or text communication and game invites. The age verification process on Xbox involves methods such as scanning faces or submitting IDs, unlike Valve's credit card check method.
Age Verification on Steam
Valve, the owner of Steam, has outlined its plan to comply with the new age verification laws. To access mature content games and their associated community hubs on Steam, users need to opt-in through account settings and undergo age verification (for UK users). However, unlike Xbox, Valve's age verification process does not involve sharing sensitive information with third-parties, scanning biometrics, or any similar practices.
To verify their age on Steam, users are required to have a valid credit card stored on their account. The writer encourages users to use the phone provider option on Xbox or the credit card check, as they are less invasive than other methods.
In conclusion, both Xbox and Steam have implemented age verification measures to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for their users. While the methods may vary, it's essential to understand the options available and make informed decisions regarding your personal data. If you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to reach out to the respective support teams for assistance.
