On January 18, 2023, Members of the European Parliament ratified a report that advocates for the implementation of standardized regulations in the European Union to raise the level of player safeguarding within the online video game industry. The document additionally recognizes the significant potential for progress, expansion, and employment opportunities within the sector and has recommended the provision of supplementary assistance.
Guaranteeing a secure setting for athletes
Dealing with problematic purchasing methods
The phenomenon of "loot boxes" in computer games, essentially random assortments of virtual items aimed at aiding players' progress through the game, may result in players engaging in uncontrolled or undesirable spending practices with truthful money, leading to potential deleterious psychological and financial outcomes.
The Parliament formally requests that the European Commission conduct a thorough analysis of the manner in which loot boxes are marketed and sold and take appropriate measures to establish a unified European strategy to safeguard consumer interests.
Members of the European Parliament have cautioned against the practice of "gold farming", which involves the acquisition of in-game currency by users and the subsequent sale of actual currency. They have also highlighted the exchange, sale, or gambling of items and user accounts obtained within games using real-world currencies as being in contravention of terms and conditions established by video game publishers.
The aforementioned practices can be associated with egregious crimes such as money laundering, coerced labor, and the exploitation of children in developing nations. Parliament strongly urges national authorities to take decisive action to eradicate these practices.
Facilitating the cancellation process
Members of the European Parliament emphasize the need for the cancellation of subscriptions to online video games to be made as easy as the process of subscription itself. Furthermore, they have expressed concern that indefinite auto-renewals can pose a problem if they are executed against the consumer's wishes.
The return and refund policies must adhere to EU consumer legislation, as customers are entitled to the same rights to return and request a refund for online transactions as they are for face-to-face ones.
Protecting children better
The Parliament aims to guarantee enhanced protection of children from potential adverse effects associated with online video games and targeted advertising.
There is a need for enhanced parental control mechanisms consistent with the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) framework, which would empower parents to exercise greater oversight over their children's gaming behavior and more effectively track their children's expenditure of time and money on video games.
In light of the potential negative impact of video games on psychological health, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling on game developers to abstain from employing cunning design tactics that could lead to addictive game experiences, isolation from social interactions, and instances of cyberbullying.
Ensuring the safety of susceptible populations
In order to provide enhanced protection for susceptible demographics, it is imperative that consumers be furnished with all pertinent details regarding the game at hand. Such information will enable them to make judicious and well-informed choices, particularly in relation to potential acquisitions.
Parliament additionally calls upon online video game manufacturers to work towards developing games that are more inclusive and easily available.
Improved adherence to regulations regarding data protection
MEPs assert in their report that online video games ought to enhance the safeguarding of users' data in accordance with the standards set forth by the General Data Protection Regulation.
Facilitating the growth of the digital gaming industry
The digital gaming industry is rapidly expanding and substantially influencing the digital transformation of the European Union. Online video games are frequented not solely as a pastime pursuit but also as valuable mental exercises. Furthermore, games serve as a practical educational resource.
The Commission has requested that it propose a European Video Game Strategy aimed at bolstering over 90,000 job opportunities within Europe. Given the swift expansion of this sector, its economic, social, educational, cultural, and innovative aspects must be duly considered.
In order to commemorate the accomplishments within the industry, the Parliament intends to institute a yearly award for online video games in the European Union.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have expressed their approval of the EU Kids Online research project, which seeks to collect information from various regions in Europe on the online gaming experiences of children. Moreover, they are urging the provision of EU funding for this and comparable initiatives.