It has been announced that the European Commission is to meet to discuss the use of the term "Free to Play", with the commission wanting to stop the term if they have in-app purchases. With complaints having risen sharply from consumers who have spent or unknowingly spent a fortune in game, it's clear the European Commission wants to do something about it. A recent case in the United Kingdom saw a teenager spend up to £5,000 on Fifa player cards: a bill his mother didn't know about.

In some respects, I have absolutely no sympathy for people who raise these complaints. They're either stupid or ignorant of their own children's behaviours on the products they're playing. The important question however, is if the European Commission aren't happy with the name and choose to do something about it, what will we call these products? Buy to Play?

"Consumers and in particular children need better protection against unexpected costs from in-app purchases," consumer policy commissioner Neven Mimica said in a statement. "National enforcement authorities and the European Commission are discussing with industry how to address this issue which not only causes financial harm to consumers but can also put at stake the credibility of this very promising market. Coming up with concrete solutions as soon as possible will be a win-win for all."

For more information on it, head on over to

head on over to gameindustry.biz

Last Updated: Mar 13, 2016

About The Author

Lewis is a long standing journalist, who freelances to a variety of outlets.

Comments