Microsoft have stated they’re ”expanding our commitment to Windows Store games”, as they add support for PEGI 18 titles. Upcoming ‘big boy’ games are GTA IV and The Witcher 2.
It was back in October that Microsoft declared all 18-rated releases as unwelcome, saying that Windows Store apps ”must not contain adult content”. What a bunch of squares.
”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,” blogged Microsoft.
”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.”
They’re quick to add that their Microsoft Family Safety feature is integrated with Windows Store so parents can lock their young, doe-eyed darlings away from the big bad world of gaming.
”We’re excited to be partnering with game publishers to bring great desktop game titles to Windows 8 - including The Witcher, by CD Projekt, and Grand Theft Auto IV, by Take Two - with more games coming soon.”
It’s out of touch policies like these that make Microsoft a laughing stock, and completely impotent in tackling the likes of rival digital platforms like Valve’s Steam, or even EA’s Origin. Thankfully they’re back to making sense again.
