So basically anything worth buying, and Counter-Strike.

Microsoft has confirmed that according to section 6.2 of the Windows app guidelines, which applies to games as well, “… apps with a rating over or PEGI 16, ESRB MATURE, or a corresponding rating under other ratings systems … are not allowed.”

Do you know what this means? It means that you cannot use Windows 8 Marketplace to purchase games which have received PEGI 18 ratings in Europe, such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Max Payne 3, Sleeping Dogs, Mass Effect 3 and most recently, Dishonored.

This rule doesn’t impact game purchasers in Northern America, however ‘Adults Only’ games such as Manhunt 2 or Indigo Prophecy (called Fahrenheit here) will still be entirely unavailable.

Don’t worry about playing the games though, as the operating system will gladly run (or attempt to run) any game with any age rating, but you won’t be able to buy them directly from Microsoft’s online store. How marketing managed that one is anyone’s guess.

Windows 8 is out October 26th and whether it shapes up to be a surprise success or a train-smash remains to be seen. Will you be getting it?

eGamer