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The EU Is Coming For Gaming’s Most Manipulative Monetization Tactics
European consumer protection authorities are taking action against 10 video game companies, including Activision Blizzard and Ubisoft, for employing "dark patterns" and manipulative monetization tactics. These practices, such as selling in-game currency in fixed bundles that force overspending and obscuring real-world costs, are accused of putting minors and vulnerable individuals at risk of gaming addiction. Some games like Fortnite are beginning to offer exact currency purchases, but many still rely on exploitative bundle deals.
Consumer Protection Cooperation Network launches coordinated actions against nine companies on in-game currency
The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network has initiated coordinated actions against nine video game companies, including King, Supercell, Mojang, Riot Games, and Activision Blizzard UK, over concerns regarding in-game virtual currencies and microtransactions. The network is enforcing EU's Key Principles, emphasizing that prices for in-game purchases should be displayed in real-world currency and that consumer protection laws should apply as if real money were spent. Industry representatives express concern that the CPC Network's approach may be overly strict and potentially extend existing laws beyond permissible limits.
Maria Redin of mobile giant MTG on rebranding, buying Raid: Shadow Legends, and plans to double the company's size
MTG CEO Maria Redin outlines ambitious plans to double the company's size within three to five years, primarily through acquisitions, following the $620 million purchase of Raid: Shadow Legends developer Plarium. The company is rebranding its studio districts to Playsimple and Playamp, focusing on employee retention and integrating technology across its portfolio. Redin also highlights the crucial role of embracing generative AI to maintain competitiveness and enhance game development workflows in the maturing mobile gaming market.
This mobile game has been made using AI for a year now – and no one noticed
InnoGames has been using AI to generate all content for its mobile game Sunrise Village for the past year without players noticing. This shift, driven by financial underperformance, reduced the development team from 25 to 2-4 people, allowing the game to remain profitable. While employees like senior lead artist Lémuel Wuibout express admiration for the tools and see efficiency gains, concerns about job security and the future of creative roles persist across the industry.
Brazil-based dev Gameplan joins Remote Control Productions
Brazilian developer Gameplan has joined the independent games production house Remote Control Productions (RCP). Gameplan, founded in 2014, specializes in co-development, engineering, and outstaffing, and has worked with clients like Xbox and Bandai Namco. This partnership aims to expand Gameplan's services to full SKU development and porting, while also providing technical support to other studios within the RCP network.
