14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft shut the door to 18+ rated games in Windows Store back in October, claiming that such titles do not comply with the guidelines and therefore cannot be listed for download on Windows 8 devices.
The company, however, has changed its mind today and Ted Dworkin, director of program management, Windows Store, officially announced that games with a rating of PEGI 18 are now welcome in the Store.
“In welcoming PEGI 18 games into the Store, we again reinforce two principles—flexibility and confidence—fundamental to the Windows Store. We recognize 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,” Dworkin said.
What’s more, Dworkin also revealed that Microsoft has partnered with game publishers to bring world-renowned desktop titles to the new Windows 8 platform, including Grand Theft Auto IV and The Witcher.
Even more games will be announced soon, the Microsoft official said.
“Windows has long been a favorite platform for games of all types, and age rating support for PEGI 18 is another step forward in a rich tradition of supporting gaming on Windows,” he continued.
Microsoft has also revised the Windows 8 app certification requirement to clearly state that apps with a rating of PEGI 16 are not allowed in the Store unless they are a game.
“Apps with a rating over PEGI 16, ESRB MATURE, or that contain content that would warrant such a rating, are not allowed, unless the app is a game, is rated by a third party ratings board, and otherwise complies with these certification requirements. Metadata and other content you submit to accompany your app may contain only content that would merit a rating of PEGI 12, ESRB EVERYONE, or Windows Store 12+, or lower,” the updated guidelines now read.