The European Union’s executive branch is is holding meetings with several large technology companies regarding the regulation of free-to-play games. The main concern for the free-to-play games is the way that in-app purchases are presented to users.
The commission has issued a press release outlining the four issues that will be discussed at the meetings:
- Games advertised as “free” should not mislead consumers about the true costs involved;
- Games should not contain direct exhortations to children to buy items in a game or to persuade an adult to buy items for them;
- Consumers should be adequately informed about the payment arrangements and purchases should not be debited through default settings without consumers’ explicit consent;
- Traders should provide an email address so that consumers can contact them in case of queries or complaints.
“The meetings are an opportunity for the Commission and Member State authorities to reach a common understanding with industry to address the concerns raised by consumers,” the commission said, in part. “In any case, the European Commission, together with the national consumer rights enforcement authorities will continue to follow up with any necessary action.”
(via Game Informer)