Epic Games, EA, and Other Major Game Companies Accused of "Tricking Kids"
Seven major video game companies, including Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and Roblox, are under fire from European consumer watchdogs. The European Consumer Organisation, along with 22 national groups from across Europe, has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities.
The complaint, submitted on Thursday, alleges that these companies use deceptive tactics to manipulate gamers into spending money. Some parents argue that these games are designed to be addictive, exploiting children’s vulnerability.
The complaint spans several key European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Agustin Reyna, Director General of BEUC, stated, “Our members have found numerous instances where gamers are misled into spending money. Regulators need to ensure that the gaming industry, despite its virtual nature, follows real-world regulations. Companies are exploiting children’s susceptibility to encourage excessive spending.”
The filing also names other major players, including Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, and Ubisoft, as well as Supercell, which is majority-owned by Tencent. Consumer groups argue that the true costs of in-game purchases are often hidden, leading to unintended overspending by consumers, particularly children.
