Via a report adopted on January 18, 2023, MEPs want to strengthen the protection of players, and in particular minors, against manipulative practices and addiction. To do this, the European Parliament has several measures in mind.
Video game addiction is a public health issue being addressed in many countries. In China, a territory particularly affected by this phenomenon, the authorities claim to have solved the problem. Indeed, thanks to the multiple measures introduced such as limiting playing time to 3 hours per week and banning play after 10 p.m., China has achieved its objectives.
In Europe, the question of addiction to video games has just been the subject of a new report from the European Parliament. Adopted with 577 votes for, 56 against and 15 abstentions, this report calls for new specific measures to strengthen the protection of minors against abusive practices and provide more transparency to parents.
More transparent information about video games
To do this, MEPs are calling in particular clear information about the content, purchasing policies and the age group targeted by the gamesand evoke a possible modification of the PEGI system (currently in force in more than 38 countries).
In addition, the European Parliament wants developers to put in place effective protections for minors against incitement to make in-game purchases with real money. According to the institution, this practice “may be linked to financial crime and human rights violations”. In addition, video game studios will have to “avoid designing games that feed addiction and must take into account the age, rights and vulnerabilities of the child”.
More accessibility and inclusion
Still with a view to moving towards a healthier model, the EU legislative body invites the video game industry to “prioritizing data protection, gender balance, player safety,” And this without discriminating against people with disabilities.
Regarding the issue of accessibility, more and more studios are offering many options in their games for people with disabilities. This is particularly the case with God of War: Ragnarok and its 60 different options. Recently, Sony also presented Project Leonardo, a controller designed specifically for people with disabilities. At Microsoft, the adaptive controller has been around since 2018.
Finally, the European Parliament calls for the simplification of refund and return procedures, but also at the end of illegal practices that allow players to trade, sell or bet on video game sites. “Our report highlights the positive aspects of this pioneering industry, but also the social risks that we must keep in mind, such as the impact of video games on mental health. This can particularly affect young players.” said rapporteur Adriana Maldonado López in the plenary session.
