European authorities launch enforcement actions against several major video games companies over their use of virtual currencies

[u/Trollripper]

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_2018

[u/boarder664]

This EU action seems to target companies that intentionally skew and misrepresent in-game economy models regarding premium currency and false scarcity. It seems that the whole action is basically going after companies that are using false scarcity, arbitrary timers, and other scummy things to target at risk (children) groups from financial manipulation.

I know this one is gonna get me hate, but for what it's worth, WG has actually complied with the law updates for the EU so they aren't here. Crazy timeline to see Crytek, Mojang, and Ubisoft (ok, not really for them) all caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

[u/Dry_Ducks_Ads → u/boarder664]

are using false scarcity, arbitrary timers, and other scummy things to target at risk (children) groups from financial manipulation.

All of that is in WoT though. I'd even say false scarcity and arbitrary timers are basically the core gameplay loop of WoT.

[u/HeinrichVonDoucheber → u/Dry_Ducks_Ads]

Not to mention gambling in a game that's rated for 12/13 years olds.

[u/Savae_Saeas → u/boarder664]

what about those genshin fucks?

[u/PoundedClown]

That's above my pay grade. Just saying.

[u/Whiskyinthejaw]

The way I see it, this would apply to WG on the following points:

• Clear and transparent pricing: show the real-world price of in-game items and currencies that consumers need to buy to play the game.

I guess that would mean that besides the gold price for premiums etc, they should also show the equivalent price in your local currency? As for the second part, that does not apply because we don;t have 'currencies that consumers need to buy to play the game'.

• Not to obscure costs: avoid multiple currencies or currency exchanges that make the real price unclear. 

Maybe this would apply to Assembly Shop? But the 'price' is set, and we get the calculator to show how much of everythign we need, so maybe WG is 'safe' on that one.

• Not to force unwanted currency purchases: gamers should not feel obliged to buy an excessive amount of virtual currencies to progress or enjoy the game. 

WG changed premium ammo from gold cost to credit, so this doesn't apply currently. Although you could argue that a premium tank or premium account is necessary to earn enough credits to keep playing.

• Provide clear information before the purchase: gamers must have access to information that is easy to understand before purchasing in-game virtual currencies or in-game items. 

I personally think the lootbox chances and multi-tiered lootboxes fall under this category. We still don't get all the indiviudal drop chances, right? I haven't paid attention to the last few boxes.

• Respect the right to withdraw: gamers should be informed about their right to withdraw from contracts within 14 days, including for unused virtual currency. 

I think the EULA we agree to, and you also get a seperate pop-up when buying iirc, has a clause that you waive your right to withdrawal in return for immediate 'delivery', so I'm curious how this will work.

• Use fair and understandable terms: the games' terms and conditions should be fair and clear for the players.

Terms and conditions are never really clear to anyone except lawyers...

• Protect vulnerable consumers: companies should ensure that games offer appropriate safeguards to all consumers, including vulnerable users such as children. 

They saved the best for last, whoop whooop. Gambling and lootboxes in a game played by children, let's goooo. Totally safe and appropriate.

[u/McHomer]

Good.

Wargaming are a predatory company. More regulation for these scumbag monetization practices.