Microsoft to block mature rated games from Windows 8 marketplace?

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.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 11 Oct 2012 17:13

bigfamei

One less reason to own windows 8 products.

11.10.2012 17:44 #1

Semperfipal

The Nazi's now rule Microsoft!

"Do not underestimate the power of an enemy, no matter how great or small, to rise against you another day." - Atilla

11.10.2012 17:57 #2

ThePastor

You guys still loving that Windows 8 experience?
This is exactly what I was saying. Windows 8 is all about weaning off of your wide open system and into a system where they control and monetize everything.
The Apple plan.

Windows 8 will be bad. Windows 9 will be impossible.

Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

11.10.2012 18:32 #3

Bozobub

Yup. This is EXACTLY what I hate about Metro and the new emphasis on the Windows Marketplace.

11.10.2012 19:18 #4

Mysttic

Microsoft will only alienate their market for so long before they realize $ talks.

11.10.2012 19:23 #5

Tazer247

Okay at this point I honestly thing Microsoft doesn't want anyone using their OS. I doubt even their developers will want to use it. So who exactly is calling the shots on this crap?

11.10.2012 20:15 #6

flyingpen

I'm sorry if I'm being ignorant but... where does it say that you MUST use windows marketplace to download or install programs/games?

If your can download and install like normal but also use marketplace when you want... then what's the big deal?

Carpe Noctem

11.10.2012 20:56 #7

Bozobub

On Windows 8 RT, you simply can't go outside the Windows Marketplace, at least not yet. On Windows 8 for PC, you can, but there's a very heavy emphasis on the Windows Marketplace, as well as an accompanying surge in DRM knob-schlobbing.

Look, YOU can support M$'s bid to create a closed PC "walled garden". Feel free. But I simply won't. There's only so many obnoxious flubs, insults, and bad ideas I can take, merely to get incremental improvements.

Don't agree? First, you're going to have to explain why Windows 8 "certified" motherboards can only run Windows 8. Yes, that's right, you're NOT going to run native Linux (or any OS other than Win8) on that mobo, no dual-boot, it's a virtual machine in Win8 or nothing for you! That's just completely freaking unacceptable.

Furthermore, you're going to have to come up with an excuse that satisfies me AND many developers, why M$ changed the entire development environment for Windows. Yes, every last part of your workflow is now *pouf!* obsolete. Oh, frabjous day! How many indie developers can afford that, would you say? Maybe none? That's just one reason many designers are dead-set against Windows 8.

I'm not against the actual improvements made in Win8. I'm against the heavy-handed attempt to push PCs into M$'s little fiefdom, by hook or by crook. I simply won't have it.

11.10.2012 21:53 #8

21Q

So when is windows 9 coming out again?

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11.10.2012 22:58 #9

bobiroc

Seriously Microsoft don't become Apple. I can see setting up parental controls but it is not up to you to police the world. It is not cute that Apple does it and it is not cool that you think you can do the same.

AMD Phenom II 965 @ 3.67Ghz, 8GB DDR3, ATI Radeon 5770HD, 256GB OCZ Vertex 4, 2TB Additional HDD, Windows 7 Ultimate.

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12.10.2012 00:27 #10

lamain

I sure hope people wait and see before jumping on windows 8. Do not give them any money until they come out and prove it will not be a closed system.

12.10.2012 01:18 #11

megadunderhead

Here is the issue in this and this recently happened with apples app store as well see apple users still use the snow leopard operating system because they don't want to lose the powerpc functionality of there o.s the issue in this is apple recently updated there app store to only support mac os x version 10.7 lion not snow leopard so all of these users that purchased iWork, ilife, and items like aperture cannot install the latest update because it requires lion and they cannot download lion anymore from the store because apple wants you to purchase a new computer with mountain lion on it at 700.00 + for a new machine.

Now in windows the reason for this is simple block third party open source software so you have to purchase windows certified software the issue i have in this is windows 8 dials home and connects using the windows live id platform if you tie your credit card to the windows live id platform and install a uncensored plug in which removes censored information from web sites you can view your whole credit card information online at microsofts own billing website this includes xbox live users as well can do the same thing this is why i left microsoft and i am currently going macintosh android and linux i am tired of this lets spy on you bull from a company that has more backdoors in there software then jabba the hut eating a gremlin

12.10.2012 02:12 #12

xboxdvl2

that would mean no racing games as most contains speeding and illegal street racing,no cod or any games that involved glamified uses of guns.
is nudity considered profanity???
is there even a responsible way to use tobacco or alcohol or drugs or weapons????
(pretty sure the definition of a weapon is something designed or used to hurt or kill)

sounds like microsoft want windows 8 to be kiddie safe.well heres news to microsft adult use computers.adults are the ones that pay for your software.

if microsoft follows apples ways and start locking down there systems no one will be purchasing windows 8 and we all be using older version of windows or linux or other os's.

R.I.P. mr 1990 ford falcon.got myself a 1993 toyota corolla seems to run good.computers still going good.

12.10.2012 11:18 #13

Estuansis

What pi**es me off is that Windows 8 is a streamlined and optimized Windows 7 at the core. I would gladly upgrade just for the performance and boot times alone, but not at the cost of a relatively open system. I will install any game I want when I want, and not only will M$ not be controlling it, they won't be knowing about it either.

I am actually a big fan of Windows 8 because from an engineering standpoint, it improves on Win 7 in every way. But the Metro UI is a killer. For that alone, I will be staying with Win 7. I have a feeling Win 7 is going to become the next XP, though I think we knew that when Win 7 replaced Vista with flying colors.

AMD Phenom II 955BE, CoolIt Eco 120 ALC 2 x Scythe S-Flex 1600RPM Push/Pull intake, Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 CL 9-9-9-24, 2 x XFX HD6850 1GB Crossfire(OC 775/1000->900/1100), Cooler Master HAF 932 AMD Dragon Custom, Corsair 620HX, Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP 1920 x 1200 24" LCD/Asus VH242H 1920 x 1080 23.6" LCD

12.10.2012 12:06 #14

cashewnut

I agree with flyingpen, this does not mean you cannot install application or games. Windows 8 is no different in that respect from Winds 7. I already have the released bits and have verified this. We all have opinions, and I for one applaud Microsoft for taking this stance! It's the most moral thing that any company has done in a while. Yes Morality is an absolute, and taking the stance that they are not going to promote the lewd, crude, and totally offensive display of immorality that some companies have taken such as No Reply in their recent game "Seduce Me" make me want to go out and stand in line at the local Microsoft store to get a Surface on day 1!

12.10.2012 12:12 #15

Bozobub

No, cashewnut, morality is NOT absolute, and furthermore, moral absolutism (Google it) is a failed argument. I'm sorry, but I do NOT agree that - as long it is not marketed to children - that any particular action (murder, rape, etc.) done to imaginary objects (video game characters,in this instance) is in any way "immoral". Disgusting, possibly, but there is no morality involved in "crimes" against nonexistent entities.

Or are you going to argue most of the fiction authors throughout history are "immoral", simply for having depictions of various crimes in their tales? Really?! If so, you're quite obviously deluded and have a shaky grasp of reality, and if not, then you're simply a hypocrite. Your choice.

*You* may need a Big Daddy to hold your hand and smack your wrist when he doesn't like what you do. I, however didn't buy a Mac for a reason, and I will avoid Win8 like plague for the exact same reason.

And last, no, Windows 8 RT currently *does NOT* allow installation of non-Windows Marketplace software, by M$'s own statement.

12.10.2012 12:25 #16

Estuansis

I have to agree with Bozobub. It's not up to Micro$oft to censor the content on a PERSONAL computer.

The trick with games is parental control. That's what the rating system was created for in the first place. Parents need to censor their kids to some degree. For instance my parents didn't let me play T and above games until I was 13. Now if a kid under the age of 17 actually assembles their own PC, buys the game, and gets it running, wouldn't this be indicative of a slightly more mature mindset?

The whole point is that anyone playing on a PC is already of a certain age, or they simply aren't playing on it period. Nobody wants the M$ Marketplace to begin with. That's asinine, because we already have it. It's called STEAM, iTUNES, ORIGIN. Now they're trying to censor the content that's sold by age when most if not all of the people using it are 18+. Seems pretty backwards to me.

The fact that some games have content that some people do not agree with is irrelevant. You are an adult, you can make that decision yourself. It is not, however, your right to impose that opinion on everyone else.

I would make a guess as several peoples' political parties right now but I don't want to be right :P

12.10.2012 12:26 #17

LordRuss

I simply don't see this as a huge hardware takeover folks. Yeah it's stupid, but it's kind of like how they did originally with Internet Explorer.

Eventually there'll be software competitors because too many people have too much wrapped up in their machines to putz about with M$'s proprietary AOL style utopia. Even the T-Bagger society waning nay-sayers will agree with the government stepping in & telling M$ to stop with their totalitarian tactics, simply if for no other reason than they (the government) has all their computers roped to the M$ OS & can't be mandated to 'every' M$ program stipulated by them.

Thus thwarting any proprietary Windows only hardware attempts. Not to mention the fact that if this was a great idea, it would have happened years ago. Sure, it exists in a manner of speaking now with R8, but tablets are so far off from being truly functional workhorses, world domination isn't in the picture. It's one of the biggest reasons why Apple isn't 'in the house'.

Besides, even the government has to shop other vendors for "everything". So to stop them from shopping & buying from the rattiest, cheapest, useless, POS out there is against the rules.

Face it guys, it's just M$ shooting themselves in the foot again. Even the hardware manufacturers won't put up with proprietary Windows based boards because the market calls for far too many enthusiasts.

Have a vicki & a Jagar-bomb, this too shall pass.

http://onlyinrussellsworld.blogspot.com

12.10.2012 12:31 #18

Estuansis

I agree it's probably going to turn into another Windows Vista. Look how quickly even the non-techie folks caught onto Vista and helped cause its downfall. AT this point we are another generation in and the average PC user is even more educated and experienced than before. Windows 8 will either explode into popularity on the yuppie market or flop. There will be no lukewarm reception like Vista got.

For the record Vista was salvaged into something usable later on. Maybe this will be too?

12.10.2012 12:36 #19

Frogfart

I wonder how long it will take for MS to recognise that Win 8 is a major failure. At a time of dropping PC sales MS should be making quality innovative software and not trying to imitate Apple.
I think MS are a spent force and in a slow decline with no sense of direction or purpose. We seen this with the ACES Studio and the complete destruction of their Flightsim franchise. They went out and asked what the Flight sim community wanted in the next instalment, but they chose to ignore this and MS Flight lasted two months before it was scrapped.
The end of another empire.

12.10.2012 14:35 #20

ThePastor

I feel that there are forces out there that we are not considering, that will push this stuff towards more closed systems.
Sure, Microsoft wants to have an iTunes like monopoly on its software for monetary and other reasons, but I am certain there are other industry leaders who are encouraging them to do so.
I do not think it is that far-fetched to think that the media industry or software industry wouldn't encourage MS to move this direction.
You know, you could not get Netflix on Android until Android met their demands on the OS.

Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

12.10.2012 18:10 #21

ngayge (unverified)

oh well i never paid for any software and i wont. but that s normal for fken big companies to spy ppls..working hand on hand with retard police give then advantage to be free on anything, mean to kill the lowers companies with no fear with no rules. all i can say USA policy sux that s why whole word is in colaps now cuz of fken USA and their fake wars. and that wont change never. but the thing whut they didnt realied till now is that China become a big power and will be stronger than USA if isn t yet. so sory for USA ppls but your policy ruine most of word.

12.10.2012 21:32 #22

xtago

Well that's just about the whole PC gaming market blocked.

So why would anyone that plays games on a PC bother about Win8?

Also why does everyone want to cater for kids? it's like they are the only people who have money to buy all the games sold at the stores and online.

crazy stuff.

Most PC gamers are actually around the 30 mark, and they are the people who actually buy games.

13.10.2012 04:23 #23

Beagle09

Yup !!! M$ has sure come up with some doozies in the past, and this is but another one. M$ has just gotten to damn big and is consistently on the prowl for something "innovative", something "new", something to piss more users off with each new version of their OS. They must have the word "THINK PROPRIETARY" in 2 foot high letters in every workspace and break area. As far as the games go, I have to agree with those that say thats what Parental Controls are for.... Parents need to do this stuff (Period).... and us game players DO NOT need another outfit that limits our experiance. I mean, taking Steam for example.. Lookit', I can buy a game that is Steam Enabled, play it a few times, get tired of it, and it magically becomes a coaster. You can't even GIVE it away... (BS in a nutshell methinks !!)And more and more companies are going this route for some reason... They blame it on the Pirates, but like so many things anymore, it is most obviously another in your face way to fill their coffers.

14.10.2012 03:02 #24

LordRuss

Originally posted by ThePastor: I feel that there are forces out there that we are not considering, that will push this stuff towards more closed systems.
Sure, Microsoft wants to have an iTunes like monopoly on its software for monetary and other reasons, but I am certain there are other industry leaders who are encouraging them to do so.
I do not think it is that far-fetched to think that the media industry or software industry wouldn't encourage MS to move this direction.
You know, you could not get Netflix on Android until Android met their demands on the OS. I feel your pain here, but there are other things at play as well...

Netflix was loosing their asses there for a while. The whole streaming market has been (still is) in flux. Netnuts has always wanted to be the lead end of this pack. I'm just not sure that Android did much dancing when Netnuts wanted in on the action.

As for M$ wanting in on this multimedia divide (like that of itunes), let's not forget they were probably the first to try it with their crappy first attempt through media player, what, 4? Remember when it used to through you online through dial-up when you put a DVD in or a CD & try to link you to things? It was a first attempt none the less.

I'm not above/bellow thinking their up to something, but it's going to have to be something lateral to itunes, simply because its already been done (to death) & M$ is far too late to the game. Something has to have evolved to get people on board or we're right back to Millennium/Vista.

http://onlyinrussellsworld.blogspot.com

14.10.2012 11:59 #25

Estuansis

@Beagle09

Quote:I mean, taking Steam for example.. Lookit', I can buy a game that is Steam Enabled, play it a few times, get tired of it, and it magically becomes a coaster. You can't even GIVE it away... (BS in a nutshell methinks !!)And more and more companies are going this route for some reason... For the general gaming community this is a good thing as the service is relatively reliable and by far the lesser of two evils compared to invasive DRM. It also has basically the best deals available anywhere, autopatching(which is significant as it supports thousands and thousands of games), and also acts as a client service to allow friends to play games with their friends anytime, anywhere.

The fact that the games are yours forever is also decidedly a plus, and most games have some sort of demo that allows you to try before you buy, so it's not a huge risk considering the screaming cheap deals.

Best of all, STEAM DOES NOT CENSOR YOU IN ANY WAY.

I understand the spirit with which you made your post, and I agree. But Steam is the wrong platform to attack. They have done more for gamers, especially PC gamers, than anyone knows. They have also taken huge strides towards being truly open-source as Mac/Linux versions have been released or are in the works.

Gabe Newell, the man behind Valve and Steam, had some negative things to say about Windows 8 as well. He doesn't like it at all, so don't worry, Steam is on the gamers' side.

14.10.2012 14:33 #26

ThePastor

Quote:As for M$ wanting in on this multimedia divide (like that of itunes), let's not forget they were probably the first to try it with their crappy first attempt through media player, what, 4? Remember when it used to through you online through dial-up when you put a DVD in or a CD & try to link you to things? It was a first attempt none the less
Yeah, they've tried it before. In some cases they've succeeded. Think Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials.
But in the past you've always been able to install your own work around. Media Player Classic or VLC or XBMC to replace Media Player.
Now that they hold the keys to the walled garden it may become much more difficult to install those third party work-arounds.

Can you imagine having to "root" your PC in order to install VLC or Media Player Classic?

Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

17.10.2012 20:21 #27

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