Ukie: "Payment Providers Should Trust in Age Rating Systems"

In a statement to GamesMarkt in response to recent adult game delistings, UK industry association Ukie urges payment processors and store platforms to trust in existing age rating systems.
The UK games industry association Ukie has issued a statement to GamesMarkt about the recent adult game delistings on Steam and itch.io due to pressure by payment processors.
The association says: "The UK games industry champions creative freedom while taking its responsibilities to players seriously. Clear and consistent age ratings are a crucial part of helping people make informed choices about the content they engage with.
That’s why Ukie strongly supports the use of robust classification systems like PEGI across all platforms, including those hosting adult or experimental content. This ensures that content is labelled appropriately, that younger audiences are protected, and that creators can publish with transparency.
We believe payment providers and platforms alike should have confidence in trusted age rating systems and the enforcement mechanisms behind them.
Just to note, as the UK’s trade body for the video games industry, Ukie does not hold regulatory or enforcement powers, but we work to represent the sector’s interests and support a balanced, evidence-led approach to challenges facing the industry."