Valve removes 28 indexed titles from the German Steam shop
Valve removes 28 indexed titles from the German Steam shop
Valve removed 28 titles from the German Steam Store between May 30th and 31st (CET). Many of these titles had been flagged by the German "Federal Review Board for Media Harmful to Minors" (BPjM) and some remained on the index list for more than two decades. The removal was initially reported by Steam Community Group forUncut!, who were actively monitoring the changes during edits (full details available there). They checked SteamDB.info for games restricted in Germany and noticed a growing number of titles being blocked. Older releases such as the Postal series, Bloodrayne, AvP Classic, and Painkiller were particularly affected. These games were previously purchasable in Germany but could no longer be promoted or sold without age verification, despite existing technical safeguards. The reasons behind the removal remain unclear since Valve hasn't provided further explanation. Speculations suggest possible involvement of BPjM, the KJM youth protection board, or even a competitor issuing a cease-and-desist. It's also noted that EA and Ubisoft had implemented youth protection features on their platforms, but sales of mature content continued until proper verification systems were in place. Currently, Valve continues to breach German youth protection regulations by distributing USK-rated 16 and 18 games without adequate age checks. In the Steam SSA, it states anyone aged 13 and older can purchase freely, though no real age verification exists beyond an age gate. More information: http://steamcommunity.com/groups/foruncu...4884746774 Additional coverage: http://www.neowin.net/news/27-games-get-...troversial, http://techraptor.net/content/26-controv...rman-crack
Absolutely not. I don't agree with that. Germany is a country, and its government isn't something to be dismissed so easily.
Dick move, Germany. It's just as bad as that Google warning about needing to be 13 to make an account. And since I told you I was ten years old, they really wanted some proof that I was over 18? /rant
Google's approach stems from US regulations safeguarding minors' privacy. Typically, parents must approve account creation at ages like 15 or 16. Germany's stance reflects its strong emphasis on public health and safety. From the tone of @FloRolf, it seems clear why this is necessary.