European games trade bodies call the draft Digital Fairness Act unworkable
Industry groups warn that vague rules on pay-to-win mechanics and fines of up to 6% of global turnover could hurt the region's games sector.
Two European games trade bodies, the EGDF and Video Games Europe, have called the European Commission's draft Digital Fairness Act unworkable and disproportionate, warning it could damage the region's games sector. The draft would require in-game currencies to show their real-money value more clearly, require disclosure of loot box odds, let users switch loot boxes off, and disable paid in-game purchases for minors by default. The bodies argue that a ban on pay-to-win and pay-to-progress mechanics is vaguely defined, so almost any purchase could fall under it and developers could not know whether they comply, with fines of up to 6% of global turnover. They also say the Commission ignored their own proposals and point to the PEGI rating system and existing parental controls as evidence that industry self-regulation works. Their counter-proposal would switch purchases and online communication off by default for children, with only a parent able to enable them.
Why it matters
The dispute is over how far the state should regulate in-game spending, particularly for children. The industry argues its own PEGI rating system already covers purchases and random paid items, and proposes that purchases and online chat be off by default for children, switchable on only by a parent. Developers would face an unclear test for pay-to-win and heavy penalties if they misjudged it, while the rules as drafted would remove paid in-game purchases for minors by default. The outcome decides whether children's spending in games is governed by statute or by industry-run ratings and controls.
Series EU Digital Fairness Act draft
- EU draft law would tighten rules on loot boxes and virtual currencies in free-to-play games
- UK and European games bodies warn EU Digital Fairness Act could weaken parental choice and PEGI ratings
- European games trade bodies call the draft Digital Fairness Act unworkable
- EU draft would ban paid loot boxes for minors and let adults switch off compulsive features
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