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Microsoft to revise Windows Store guidelines, allowing mature titles

DVDBack23 @ Oct 26, 2012 04:58

Earlier this month, we reported that Microsoft was blocking mature PEGI 16+ rated games from the Windows 8 marketplace in Europe or ESRB MATURE in the U.S.

Today, it appears Microsoft will revise the Windows Store guidelines to allow such games, much to the relief of developers and gamers alike.

Had the rule remained, in Europe, games such as Halo, Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed would have been banned from the Store, due to their rating.

Microsoft will finish the revisions by December.

Original Story:

Microsoft has allegedly revealed that it will block mature PEGI 16+ rated games from the Windows 8 marketplace in Europe or ESRB MATURE in the U.S.

The exact quote, in Microsoft's content legislation, is "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."

Additionally, the legislation says "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."

If the report is accurate, the move will do nothing but infuriate developers, many of which offer Mature titles that are their most popular.

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