European Parliament Advocates for Enhanced Consumer Safeguards in the Gaming Industry

The European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee has advocated for EU-wide regulations to safeguard gaming consumers. In a vote with broad support, the committee endorsed a draft report seeking improved consumer protections, particularly regarding loot boxes and minors. The committee proposed that game developers should provide clear information about game content, in-game purchasing policies, and target age groups, similar to PEGI ratings, and that parents should have effective controls over their children's gaming time and expenses. Regarding loot boxes, the committee aims to prevent designs that foster addiction and ensure developers consider the age, rights, and vulnerabilities of children, possibly requiring a child impact assessment. The committee also requested that the European Commission investigate gold farming and the trade of in-game items for real money, focusing on potential links to financial crime and human rights abuses. Additionally, the committee addressed issues such as data protection, user safety, and non-discrimination. It emphasized that canceling game subscriptions should be as straightforward as subscribing, and return and refund policies must comply with EU regulations. The committee recognized the gaming industry as a significant sector and suggested establishing an annual European online game award to support it. Furthermore, it asked the European Commission to propose a European Video Game Strategy to unlock the sector's economic, social, educational, cultural, and innovative potential.