European Union Launches Coordinated Actions Against 9 Video Game Companies to Protect Player Rights

Brussels, September 30 (KUNA) -- The European Consumer Cooperation Network (ECC-Net) announced on Wednesday the launch of coordinated actions against nine video game companies, aiming to strengthen the protection of players’ rights and ensure that companies comply with European consumer protection laws.

In a statement, the European Commission said that “nearly half of Europeans play video games, making them a key part of the digital economy and daily life in Europe,” emphasizing the need to protect players, especially children, from harmful and unfair practices.

The Commission noted that these measures are part of the network’s follow-up on the “core principles relating to virtual currencies in games,” a set of guidelines based on EU consumer protection law designed to enhance transparency and fairness in the use of virtual currencies within games.

It added that the gaming industry is required to ensure transparency and respect for consumer rights, and that national authorities of member states, supported by the European Commission, will ensure the application and observance of the rules.

According to the statement, the measures focus on ensuring clear disclosure of the real prices of virtual currencies and in-game purchases, preventing practices that push players to buy excessive amounts, guaranteeing clear terms of use, and respecting consumers’ right to withdraw from contracts within 14 days, while strengthening protection for the most vulnerable groups, particularly children. (End) A.R.N. / F.L.A.