There’s a new complaint against some big names in the gaming world like Epic Games, Microsoft, and Ubisoft.
The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) has filed a complaint with the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities. They believe these gaming companies are tricking players, especially kids, into buying stuff in their games through sneaky marketing.
In their 36-page report, BEUC says that these companies use “harmful commercial practices” like loot boxes, tricky designs, and in-game premium currency to get players to spend money. They’re particularly concerned about how these tactics affect children.
“BEUC’s members have identified numerous cases where gamers are misled into spending money,” said BEUC Director General Agustin Reyna. “Regulators must act, making it clear that even though the gaming world is virtual, it still needs to abide by real-world rules. Today, premium in-game currencies are purposefully tricking consumers and take a big toll on children. Companies are well aware of children’s vulnerability and use tricks to lure younger consumers into spending more.”
Video Games Europe, representing many of these companies, disagrees with the complaint. They argue that players know what they’re doing and that these games can be enjoyed without spending money. Via TechCrunch, they said, “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.”
Sometimes, we wonder if companies think more about their profits than the people playing their games.
BEUC can’t make laws, but they did suggest some ideas like banning in-game purchases for kids and stopping the use of in-game premium currencies. We’ll have to wait and see if the European Network of Consumer Authorities decides to follow any of these suggestions.
