Windows Store app Development Snack: What the age restriction for apps means to developers.
I often think of age restrictions as "this is for adults only" vs. "this is for everyone," but Microsoft has a far more nuanced approach:
- 3+: Suitable for young children (three or older)
- 7+: Suitable for ages 7 and older
- 12+: Suitable for ages 12 and older
- 16+: Suitable for ages 16 and older
- Finally, Adult-Only apps
Content
Adult-only apps are not allowed in the store—so we’ll focus on the four other categories. The obvious factor in ratings is content, a major influencer. For example, at 3+, the guidelines state:
These applications are considered appropriate for young children. There may be minimal comic violence in non-realistic, cartoon form. Characters should not resemble or be associated with real-life characters. There should be no content that could be frightening, and there should be no nudity or references to sexual or criminal activity.
At 16+, however:
Apps with this age rating can depict realistic violence with minimal blood, and they can depict sexual activity. They can also contain drug or tobacco use and criminal activities, and more profanity than would be allowed in a 12+ app.
None of that should be surprising to any developer—just a bit of reading when you submit should keep you out of trouble.
Platform Access
Ratings serve a second role: controlling what can and cannot be used. Only at 12+ can apps access online services, personal information, or enable features like microphones or webcams. This can lead to issues when submitting.
My experience is that obvious online access is heavily restricted, but I’ve seen 3+ apps that still access services (e.g., to load pictures). Technically, nothing stops an app from doing this—it’s more of an honor system, enforced during content review when submitting.