Consumer watchdogs call for EU action on in-game digital money

Consumers fall prey to many deceptive practices when buying and using in-game currencies in video games, claims BEUC.

A group representing European consumer protection organizations has filed a complaint with the European Commission about the video game industry’s use and marketing of in-game digital currencies.

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 22 member organizations from 17 countries on Sept. 12 called for the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities (CPC-Network) to take stronger enforcement against video game companies that maximize consumer spending by using in-game currencies. 

A report from the watchdogs noted the growth of in-game purchases using in-game digital currencies, especially in free-to-play games and those played by children, a practice they claimed now generates significant revenues for game companies.

Read more

Consumers fall prey to many deceptive practices when buying and using in-game currencies in video games, claims BEUC.
A group representing European consumer protection organizations has filed a complaint with the European Commission about the video game industry’s use and marketing of in-game digital currencies.The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 22 member organizations from 17 countries on Sept. 12 called for the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities (CPC-Network) to take stronger enforcement against video game companies that maximize consumer spending by using in-game currencies. A report from the watchdogs noted the growth of in-game purchases using in-game digital currencies, especially in free-to-play games and those played by children, a practice they claimed now generates significant revenues for game companies.Read more