The European Parliament has voted to take action against loot boxes, gaming addiction, illegal gold farming and other video game issues. The European Commission should develop a strategy for the development of the video game industry and establish a European award in this field.
On January 18, the European Parliament voted in favor of a report that calls on the European Commission to address a number of issues in the gaming industry that are important to protect consumers, especially young people. The report was prepared by MEP Adriana Maldonado López and received 577 votes in favor, 56 against and 15 abstentions.
In her report, Lopez made more than a dozen recommendations, including a call for uniform rules in the EU’s single market for providing clear information about game content, as well as systems to help parents understand and monitor how much time and money their children are spending on games.
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system has been cited as an example of providing consumers with transparent information about content, target age group and in-game purchase options. PEGI ratings are used in 38 countries, some of which have already become a legal requirement.
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MEPs also voted for the Commission to analyze the impact of loot boxes and in-game purchase hints, taking action where necessary, and to investigate whether in-game gold farming may be linked to financial crimes and human rights abuses.
The European Parliament called on developers to “avoid creating addictive games”, citing the WHO’s recognition of gaming disorder, which causes addiction in some players.
Other recommendations relate to strengthening data protection, addressing the gender imbalance among industry workers, and making it easier for consumers to sign up and especially cancel subscriptions.
The European Parliament has recognized the value of the video games sector and its potential to help in education, mental health and other aspects of life. Members of the European Parliament have asked the European Commission to develop a European video game strategy that will boost the industry and help it fully unlock its potential. A new annual European online video game award has been proposed.
Read more about the recommendations given by the approved report to the European Commission:
Age ratings and information
- Assess how the PEGI system is implemented in different types of games, consider enshrining it in EU legislation to make PEGI a common Code of Conduct and a mandatory age rating system for all games in the single market.
- Support the promotion of public and private education and information campaigns aimed at parents and guardians to inform them about existing tools, such as the PEGI app, and encourage their use.
- Introduce common uniform labels for information such as minimum recommended age, game theme, in-game purchase options, presence of pop-up ads, etc.
Consumer protection
- Develop a Europe-wide identity verification system to verify the age of players.
- Develop minimum privacy standards
- Collect EU-wide data on average time spent playing games, average gaming costs, socio-psychological effects, and submit an annual report on this to Parliament.
- Assess the possibility of requirements for providers of online games that are aimed at minors, develop a system for assessing the impact of games on children.
- Adopt, as appropriate, regulatory measures for games that allow players to create their own content to protect users, especially minors, from illegal activities.
Monetization
- Assess whether the existing legislative framework is sufficient to protect the rights of consumers in solving all problems related to loot boxes and in-game purchases. If not, adapt existing rules for online gaming or propose separate legislation.
- Analyze the implementation of loot boxes and take the necessary measures to implement a pan-European approach to loot boxes to protect consumers, in particular minors.
- Assess the connection of gold farming in games with financial crimes and human rights violations and, if necessary, submit relevant initiatives.
- End illegal betting, selling and trading practices within games and on third-party sites.
- Require game sellers to provide users with an opt-in offer when purchasing a subscription, as well as clear and accessible information on how to cancel auto-renewal at any time.
Industry support
- Update the EU Kids Online research project, which collects Europe-wide data on children’s online experiences, will fund this and similar initiatives in the future.
- Develop and deliver a European Video Games Strategy that unlocks the economic, social, educational, cultural and innovation potential of the sector.
- Provide initiatives to improve the accessibility of online video games for people with disabilities.
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Source: Games Industry.biz
