Two European games trade bodies have warned that if introduced, the EU’s Digital Fairness Act would be “game over for the European games industry”.
A joint statement from Video Games Europe and the European Games Developer Federation says the EU’s proposed restrictions on loot boxes, virtual currency, pay-to-win and retention mechanics are “Unworkable, unjustified and disproportionate”.
The EU’s Digital Fairness Act was leaked yesterday and, if adopted, could stop games from selling loot boxes and pay-to-win mechanics to minors across Europe. It also proposes the prohibition of paid-for virtual currencies, “pay-to-progress” mechanics and other features that “encourage compulsive or excessive use” for under-18s, unless a parent approves.
The terms have been firmly rejected by both VGE and the EGDF, who in a joint statement said today:
“The DFA proposal is unworkable, unjustified and disproportionate. The draft would cripple the competitiveness of Europe’s world-leading video games industry and leave millions of European players with fewer games and less choice. “
The statement continues: “Protecting players is at the heart of what our industry does. We have led on safeguards such as PEGI age ratings, parental controls and spending tools. We share the Commission’s ambition to protect consumers, but the DFA would not make players safer. It would undermine the protections that already work.”
“We are deeply concerned about this approach and call for an urgent reassessment based on the principles of proportionality, supporting growth and empowering consumers.“
You can read the European Commission’s Digital Fairness Act here. The proposals will now be discussed by the European Parliament and Council.
