Joint statement from European Game Developers Federation and Video Games Europe on the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network’s principles on in-game virtual currencies

The video games industry is committed to positive and age-appropriate experiences for all players, and we offer a range of purchase protections, including easy cancellations and tools for parents to approve purchases of in-game content. We are disappointed by the lack of engagement from the CPC Network in creating these principles, which introduce new legal theories and misguided interpretations of EU consumer law that will create confusion and disruption for European consumers. It will also present a challenge to the industry’s future growth and could even deprive millions of consumers access to their favourite games. The purchase of in-game currencies is optional, well-established, and well-understood by players. Our members always respect European consumer laws in how they offer these purchases. We will be undertaking a thorough legal assessment of the principles and will seek further engagement with the CPC Network to ensure the best experience for our players. Background:

• ○ EGDF and VGE, have always been committed to a compelling and safe video game experience that is age appropriate. Video games offer a range of purchasing protections including easy cancellations and tools for parents to approve in-game purchases.
• ○ EGDF and VGE members have adopted commitments for fair and transparent purchases of in-game content, including for in-game currency. The PEGI Code of Conduct requires developers to ensure that the real-world cost is clear and unambiguous at the point of purchase of the in-game currency
• ○ Our industry offers a wide range of games that enable players to access a huge variety of genres and innovative new experiences across different services. Players can experience entire games without spending any money, giving them the opportunity to try games without any upfront cost or commitment.

Contacts:

Players are at the heart of what we do. Since 1998, Video Games Europe has ensured that the voice of a responsible games ecosystem is heard and understood. Its mission is to support and celebrate the sector’s creative and economic potential and to ensure that players around the world enjoy the benefits of great video game playing experiences. Europe’s video games sector is worth €25.7bn, and 53% of Europeans are video game players. We publish a yearly Key Facts report with the latest data on Europe’s video games sector. Contact for EGDF: Jari-Pekka Kaleva, tel: +358 40 716 3640 Managing Director, European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) Senior Policy Analyst, Neogames Finland ry. Email: [email protected] www.egdf.eu Uniting the industry The European Games Developer Federation e.f. (EGDF) unites national trade associations representing game developer studios based in 22 European countries: Austria (PGDA), Belgium (FLEGA), Croatia (CGDA), Czech Republic (GDACZ), Denmark (Producentforeningen), Finland (Suomen pelinkehittäjät), France (SNJV), Germany (GAME), Italy (IIDEA), Lithuania (LZKA), Netherlands (DGA), Norway (Produsentforeningen), Poland (PGA, Indie Game Poland Foundation), Portugal (AVPV), Romania (RGDA), Serbia (SGA), Spain (DEV), Slovakia (SGDA), Sweden (SpelplanASGD), Switzerland (SGDA), Turkey (TOGED) and the United Kingdom (TIGA). For more information, visit https://www.egdf.eu/.