There is a European consumer watchdog filed a complaint Against Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Roblox and other game publishers for deceptive in-game currency practices, Reuters informed. The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) said it had “identified numerous cases where players were tricked into spending money” and called on authorities to “provide consumers with a safe gaming environment”.
BEUC said that in-game purchases should always be shown in real money, noting that consumers cannot see the real value of the price of digital items using in-game currencies. He added that companies’ claims that players prefer premium in-game currencies are false; consumers are often disenfranchised when using such currencies; and that children are particularly susceptible to these “manipulative tactics.”
“Regulators need to act by making it clear that even though the gaming world is virtual, it still has to follow real-world rules,” BEUC CEO Augustin Reyna said. “Premium in-game currencies are purposefully deceiving consumers and greatly harming children. Companies are well aware of children’s vulnerability and use gimmicks to entice young consumers to spend more.”
Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Tencent-owned Supercell and Ubisoft are also named in the complaint.
Video Games Europe, whose members include Epic Games, Roblox, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Supercell and Ubisoft, said in a separate statement 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 real-world value when purchasing in-game currency is clear and unambiguous,” he said. Reuters. “Our members always respect European consumer laws when offering these purchases.”
The use of premium currencies purchased with real money has been controversial, especially around younger players. In 2022, it was Epic the record was hit by an FTC finepartly to make it possible for children to buy Fortnite‘s V-Bucks in-game currency until 2018 without parental consent. The regulator said Epic ignored more than a million user complaints and employee concerns about unfair charges.
