European consumer watchdog BEUC filed a complaint about in-game purchases and premium currencies in video games. The organization argues that real money should always be used to show the cost of digital items instead of in-game currencies. The BEUC also claims that companies’ statements about gamers’ preference for in-game premium currencies are inaccurate and that consumers, especially children, are susceptible to manipulation due to these purchase tactics. Named in the complaint are Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Tencent-owned Supercell, and Ubisoft.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Video Games Europe, representing members like Epic Games, Roblox, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Supercell, and Ubisoft, stated that consumers are already well-informed about in-game currencies. The organization also highlighted that PEGI’s Code of Conduct requires developers to make the real-world cost clear and unambiguous when purchasing in-game currency. The members of Video Games Europe stated that they always adhere to European consumer laws when offering these purchases.
The use of premium currencies bought with real money has been controversial, particularly among young players. In 2022, Epic received a record FTC fine, partly due to allowing children to purchase Fortnite’s V-Bucks in-game currency without parental consent until 2018. The regulator criticized Epic for ignoring more than a million complaints and employee concerns over wrongful charges. This issue highlights the ongoing debate around how in-game purchases and premium currencies are presented and regulated.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The European consumer watchdog BEUC recently filed a complaint about in-game purchases and premium currencies in video games. The organization argues that the real cost of digital items should always be displayed in real money, rather than in-game currencies. The complaint involves several well-known gaming companies, including Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Tencent-owned Supercell, and Ubisoft. Additionally, Video Games Europe, representing members like Epic Games, Roblox, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Supercell, and Ubisoft, stated that consumers are already well-informed about in-game currencies and that they always comply with European consumer laws. This issue has sparked a debate on how in-game purchases and premium currencies are regulated, especially concerning younger players.