The European Union intends to make things a little more difficult for the universe of games, that’s because it tightened the rules for all countries in the bloc. The main objective of all this change will be to provide an environment safer for those involved, especially children and young people.
The suggested measures went through a voting process in Parliament, and were approved on January 18th. The guidelines made reference to subjects such as designs that contributed to further increase the addiction of those involved, monetization, among others. With regard to the approval of the measures, they had 577 votes in favor and 56 against, not to mention the 15 abstentions.
Who developed the project was the Spanish deputy Adriana Maldonado López. According to what she wrote in the document, the best option would be to adapt the example given by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI), which concerns the system that Europe has adopted involving the age rating of games, a kind of local version of the ESRB North American.
Furthermore, everyone believes that the member countries of the European Union must accept the changes in order to modify the global scenario.
What was in the report?
Below, you can see some points that were among the measures included in the report.
The first point concerns the cyberbullying, harassment and disclosure of user data. The minimum request is that there be greater rigor on such matters and that a minimum standard be stipulated.
The document also adds that a survey should be carried out on how much time Europeans are spending on games and how much they are investing. This in order to find out if there are any sociopsychological consequences in individuals.
Another point is about the addiction that many designs end up generating in players. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gaming addiction is a disorder. Because of this, developers will have to produce designs that don’t encourage individuals to spend a lot of time playing games.
The rule goes against what was adapted in other productions, which encouraged the player to go even deeper, until he managed to reach his final goal.
It is also in Parliament’s interest that there be an oversight of the effects caused on younger children, the target audience of some companies, and how they are being affected.
Cash
With regard to the money invested by players in the gaming world, the European Union has decided to take more drastic measures, since it will be necessary for companies to encourage their players to spend real money instead of choosing to invest in virtual currencies or anything like that.
In addition, there was great concern, at this point, with minors and the abuse suffered in relation to companies, which end up being strongly appealing.
Investment in independent development companies that are just starting out, rather than just preferring the big names in the industry, was also on the agenda during the vote.
The other side of the coin
However, although the measures may seem attractive, companies fear that this will end up making it even more difficult to invest in the development of new games.
Note that the website GamesIndustry.biz, along with the Software Federations, shared a text. In it, you can read the following excerpt:
“European consumer protection laws are extensive and flexible in terms of covering and sanctioning practices considered misleading, unfair or aggressive (…). As recognized by several studies, the problem lies in insufficient enforcement, which undermines the effectiveness of the legal framework.
Our industry is committed to a fair and transparent game consumption experience. European gamers have more incredible gaming options than ever before, thanks to the wider range of business models the industry has developed.
Regulators must protect the right of access to these cultural products while maintaining the European high level of consumer protection.”
As rules are not yet in effect, this is because it will take a few days for implementation.
