2025: A Year of Significant Legal Shifts in the Gaming Industry

The year 2025 was marked by legal stories that rivaled game releases in terms of industry attention. Notable issues included patent disputes over game mechanics, public disagreements over earn-out payments, and significant changes in the mobile ecosystem. These developments have the potential to fundamentally alter how games are created, monetized, and played. One key area of change is the evolution of the mobile ecosystem, driven by European competition regulations and lawsuits such as those by Epic against Apple and Google. In April 2025, the European Commission imposed a €500m fine on Apple for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act, specifically the 'anti-steering' provisions that require developers to be able to inform customers about alternative offers outside app stores without charge. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority declared Apple and Google as having 'strategic market status,' enabling targeted interventions for more effective competition in mobile platforms. Epic's legal battles with Apple and Google have had varying degrees of success and are ongoing. These changes will have major implications, including the rise of third-party app stores, potential cost savings on in-app purchases due to new platform fee structures, and the growth of web stores facilitating direct-to-consumer transactions. However, these opportunities come with increased compliance complexity due to region-specific laws and court decisions, resulting in a fragmented user experience globally. The European Union has been focusing on the video games sector, with reports and guidelines addressing monetization, consumer protection, and online safety. The potential Digital Fairness Act poses a threat to the free-to-play model, with discussions around transparency in personalized data usage for monetization. Engagement practices, including those that might contribute to 'digital addiction,' are also under scrutiny. Outside the EU, countries like Brazil and the UK are taking steps to regulate video games, including age rating criteria and inquiries into addictive technology use. Online safety has been a significant concern, with legislation like the UK's Online Safety Act and the EU's Digital Services Act aiming to protect minors and consumers. The use of generative AI in game development has become widespread, despite unresolved legal issues around copyright and data safety. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, developers must adapt to changing legal landscapes, ensuring they are prepared for new regulations, public opinion, and the opportunities these changes present.