Windows 8 store lifts ban on 18-rated games

The Windows 8 Store has begun accepting games with a rating of PEGI 18.

Microsoft’s previous guidelines for the marketplace had prevented the sale of any games rated above PEGI 16 in Europe or Mature in the US.

But after sparking anger and confusion among developers and consumers, the computing giant has now made 18-rated games available through the store.

The changes mean that games such as The Witcher and Grand Theft Auto IV can now be released on the marketplace.

Windows Store director of program management Ted Dworkin said he hoped allowing mature-rated titles would reinforce developer confidence in the storefront.

“In welcoming PEGI 18 games into the Store, we again reinforce two principles – flexibility and confidence – fundamental to the Windows Store,” he said.

“We recognise that people have come to expect and appreciate rich gaming experiences on Windows and this includes games rated PEGI 18. We also want to ensure that every customer using the Store can browse and acquire apps with confidence.”