Joint statement by the European Game Developers Federation and Video Games Europe, of which IIDEA is a part, on the principles of the Consumer Protection Collaboration Network on virtual currencies in video games

The video games industry is committed to ensuring positive and age-appropriate experiences for all players and offers a range of purchase protections, including the ability to easily reverse transactions and tools that allow parents to approve in-game purchases.

We regret the lack of involvement of the CPC network in the definition of these principles, which introduce new legal theories and misleading interpretations of European consumer law, causing confusion and inconvenience to European consumers. This will also jeopardise the future growth of the industry and could even deprive millions of consumers of access to their favourite video games.

The purchase of virtual currencies in video games is optional, well established and well understood by gamers. Our members always comply with European consumer law in the way they offer these purchases.

We will conduct a thorough legal review of these principles and seek further discussion with the CPC network to ensure the best possible experience for our players.

Background:

  • EGDF and VGE have always been committed to providing a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience. Video games offer a number of purchase protections, including the ability to easily reverse transactions and tools that allow parents to approve in-game purchases.
  • EGDF and VGE members have adopted commitments to ensure fair and transparent purchases of in-game content, including virtual currencies. The PEGI Code of Conduct requires developers to ensure that the actual cost of virtual currency purchases is clear and unambiguous.
  • Our industry offers a wide range of video games, giving players access to a variety of genres and innovative experiences across multiple platforms. Players can try out entire games without spending any money, giving them the opportunity to try them out without any upfront costs or commitments.

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