EU proposes digital rules targeting game monetisation

The European Commission has proposed a Digital Fairness Act that would introduce new protections for online consumers, including restrictions on paid loot boxes and virtual currencies in games. The draft also covers subscription cancellations, pricing, manipulative design and protections for minors. It is a proposal, not law, and must be examined by the European Parliament and national governments before it can take effect.

Under the draft, paid virtual currencies in products directed at minors would be disabled by default and could be activated only with a parent or guardian’s approval. Paid loot boxes would not be offered to people under 18. Where paid loot boxes remain available to adults, companies would have to disclose the odds of receiving items and give consumers an effective way to disable them. The proposal would also require games to show the real-money value of virtual currencies.

The Commission’s wider proposed rules would prohibit specified manipulative online practices, require clearer pricing and let consumers disable features designed to encourage compulsive or excessive use. The draft would make online subscriptions easier to cancel, require consumers to...