Windows 8 marketplace: Microsoft refusing sale of 18+ rated games - report

Windows 8 marketplace will not stock mature rated games in Europe, Microsoft has revealed. File this one under 'shooting itself in the foot', if true.

GI.biz reports that Microsoft will refuse the digital sale of any game rated above PEGI 16+ on Windows 8 marketplace in Europe.

Originally reported by Casey Muratori, his piece also suggests that America will not see the sale of mature rated games on the digital store front, and that Microsoft's content legislation states, "Your app must not contain adult content, and metadata must be appropriate for everyone. Apps with a rating over PEGI 16, ESRB MATURE, or that contain content that would warrant such a rating, are not allowed."

If accurate, this will surely serve to close off the market and agitate developers further, meaning a large portion of games released will not be suitable for sale on the digital marketplace.

Elsewhere in the legislation, further rules tighten the clamps, "Your app must not contain content or functionality that encourages, facilitates, or glamorizes illegal activity."

"Your app must not contain content that encourages, facilitates or glamorizes excessive or irresponsible use of alcohol or tobacco products, drugs or weapons."

"Your app must not contain excessive or gratuitous profanity."

When you consider how many triple-a and indie games slot into the mature bracket, you start to see how far these rules will curb the Windows 8 marketplace offering.

We've asked Microsoft for comment.

EDIT: We have just received word from a source that the Windows 8 app store will not support 18+ rated content. We are still waiting to hear back regarding full digital titles.