As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I find myself deeply troubled by this latest development concerning the bigwigs of the gaming industry. The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) has leveled some serious allegations against giants like Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and others, accusing them of using deceptive practices to swindle players, particularly children, into spending money on in-app purchases.
These gaming giants – Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Roblox, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Supercell, and Ubisoft – have become the subject of a recent complaint by The European Consumer Organization (BEUC). This complaint, lodged with both the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities, alleges that these companies are employing deceptive marketing strategies to persuade players into making unintentional or excessive in-app purchases. Essentially, BEUC is accusing them of misleading customers.
In response to their grievances, BEUC published a 36-page document outlining their accusations. This report alleges that video game companies employ unscrupulous business tactics such as loot boxes, misleading designs, in-game premium currencies, and excessive marketing aimed at tricking players, particularly children, into unintentional in-app purchases.
In a statement, BEUC Director General Agustin Reyna stated that their members have found multiple instances where gamers are deceived into spending money unknowingly. He emphasized the need for regulatory action to ensure that the virtual gaming world adheres to real-world regulations. Currently, premium in-game currencies are being used to manipulate consumers, particularly affecting children significantly. Companies are conscious of children’s susceptibility and employ tactics to attract younger gamers into spending more excessively.
Through TechCrunch, it was reported that Video Games Europe, a group representing numerous European video game companies, spoke out against the criticism they received. Notably, this coalition emphasized that many mobile games do not require any financial investment to play.
“The purchase of in-game currencies is a well-established practice, and well understood by players. Our members always respect European consumer laws in how they offer these purchases… Video Games Europe and its members support and promote fair and transparent principles for purchases of in-game content, including for in-game currency.”
The BEUC (Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs) serves as an association representing consumers, and it lacks the authority to establish regulations for its member states. However, their report proposes possible legal solutions, such as prohibiting in-game or in-app purchases by minors, and restricting the use of premium in-game currencies. It’s yet to be determined if the European Network of Consumer Authorities will adopt any of these suggestions.
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2024-09-13 15:09