17
Jan
2023
Watch
Consumer protection in online video games: a European Single Market approach (debate)
Mr President, 20 years ago, gaming studios tried to develop a game that was as fun and challenging as possible, so you bought it. But now they are mainly trying to make a game as addictive as possible. Innovation does not always lead to improvement for consumers. We see this in the gaming industry. Because where in the past I could finally buy Rollercoaster Tycoon after long savings and then play it endlessly, now the game studios earn a lot of money by making a game as addictive as possible. And the game makers are also very good at it. At the moment, one in twenty boys in school has characteristics of a game addiction. That's not surprising, because these companies know exactly what psychological tricks they have to use to let you play for as long as possible and spend as much money as possible. That's how they came up with digital treasure chests that you can buy in the game without knowing what's in it. The content can sometimes be very valuable, or not. Because these give you the same feeling as gambling, people can waste a lot of money on this and they work addictively. Other tricks for more winnings are more likely to win if you pay or buy items in the game; pay in the game with another coin so that you actually have no idea how much money you spend; when you buy something you have to take out a subscription to which you are then attached; or secretly collect your data and then resell it. We have strict rules for addictive substances or services such as tobacco and gambling. But the gaming industry has been in full swing for years, while young people and children are such an important target group. This is no longer possible and that is why I am proud that the European Parliament is today pushing for new rules and stronger protection in online games. And an investigation into a European ban on lootboxes. As far as I'm concerned, this is just the beginning. Europe must also fight the addictive design of social media, and I will continue to fight for that. Young people should be able to be comfortable, safe and honest online without being manipulated, misled or addicted.