A European consumer watchdog has… filed a complaint against Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Roblox and other game publishers for deceptive practices with in-game currencies, technology/videogame-firms-hit-with-eu-complaint-over-tricking-consumers-2024-09-11/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Reuters;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas” class=”link “>Reuters The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said it had “identified numerous cases where players are tricked into spending money” and called on authorities “to provide consumers with safe gaming environments”.
BEUC noted that consumers cannot see the true cost of the price of digital items using in-game currencies, and said in-game purchases should always be displayed in real money. It added that companies' claims that gamers prefer premium in-game currencies are wrong; consumers' rights are often denied when using such currencies; and that children are particularly vulnerable to these “manipulative tactics”.
“Regulators must act and make it clear that even though the gaming world is virtual, it must respect the rules of the real world,” BEUC CEO Augustin Reyna said in a statement. “Premium in-game currencies are deliberately misleading consumers and seriously affect children. Companies are well aware of the vulnerability of children and use tricks to attract younger consumers and make them spend more.”
Also named in the complaint are Microsoft's Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Tencent-owned Supercell and Ubisoft.
In a separate statement, Video Games Europe, which counts Epic Games, Roblox, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Supercell and Ubisoft among its members, said that consumers are already well informed about in-game currencies. “The PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) Code of Conduct requires developers to ensure that the actual cost is clear and unambiguous at the time of purchase of in-game currency,” it said. Reuters“Our members always respect European consumer laws in the way they offer these purchases.”
The use of premium currencies purchased with real money has been controversial, especially among young players. In 2022, Epic received a record fine from the FTC, in part for allowing children to purchase FortniteThe game's currency, V-Bucks, was not sold without parental consent until 2018. The regulator said Epic ignored more than a million user complaints and employee concerns about improper charges.
