Europe’s BEUC umbrella consumer rights group has taken a stand against major video game companies for allegedly deceiving consumers, especially children, into spending more money. The popularity of video games in Europe is evident, with over half the population engaging in gaming activities. The complaint filed by BEUC with the European Commission has garnered support from organizations across 17 European countries.
The accusation revolves around manipulative tactics used by companies like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Epic Games to encourage excessive spending through in-game virtual currencies. These digital items can be purchased with real money within the games or app marketplaces, leading players to lose track of their spending. Children are particularly vulnerable to these tactics due to their limited financial literacy.
BEUC is calling for transparency in displaying prices in real-world currency to prevent consumers from overspending on virtual items. With a significant portion of young Europeans engaging in video game purchases and an estimated $50 billion global market value for in-game transactions, the impact on children’s finances is concerning.
The consumer groups argue that these practices violate EU consumer protection laws and urge regulators to intervene. By holding gaming companies accountable for their actions, BEUC aims to ensure that virtual worlds adhere to real-world standards of fairness and transparency.