games put pressure on children to make purchases
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Free games are attractive to the youth. But are they really that free? According to the Consumers’ Association, it is often made difficult or even impossible for children to progress within the game without purchasing.
Four popular games
The Consumers’ Association conducted a random sample of gamers and examined four popular games: Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, Roblox and Minecraft. Ask any elementary school kid what games he or she plays, and you’re bound to hear one of these games. Brawl Stars, Roblox and Clash Royale are free to download; Minecraft costs seven euros.
In-game purchases
All games offer so-called in-game purchases, ranging from a few euros to tens. The purchased items, such as weapons or clothing, can then be used by players in the game. Gift cards are for sale for some games, with which you can buy credit in the game. With other games you can directly link a credit card.
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Ticking clock
According to the Consumers’ Association, the games put children under pressure. So show Brawl Stars and Clash Royale a ticking clock. A game only takes a few minutes, so children have little time to pass a level. This makes it attractive for the children to buy progress and continue playing.
Monthly subscription
At first glance, Roblox is free, but playing for free is usually not an option. “In Minecraft, players can even share their own virtual world with others for a monthly fee. If they cancel their subscription, this shared space will also disappear.”
Impossible
“You should not expose children to these kinds of devious tricks,” says Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumers’ Association. “You can’t possibly expect children to be able to withstand that.” The organization has asked the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) to investigate whether such practices are permitted. Further research will follow.
Source: Nu.nl.
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