SAFE and healthy gameplay
With more than 50% of the European population playing video games across all age groups, the industry is continuously working to ensure a safe online gameplay environment to protect minors while also promoting healthy gameplay habits.
Our commitment to players and consumers
Video Games Europe, EGDF, and our members are committed to a fair and transparent player and consumer experience when playing games. Our position on fair and transparent purchases of in-game content.
PEGI CODE OF CONDUCT ARTICLE ON IN-GAME MONETISATION
Information obligation: game purchases icon.
Transparency in transactions.
Transparency on in-game currency and how it is offered
Transparent and fair paid random items.
No skin gambling.
PEGI Code of Conduct enforcement.
aDDITIONAL COMMITMENTS
Tools to manage, limit, or block purchases.
Transactions are kept separate from gameplay.
Fair refund policies.
Inform players about the discontinuation of in-game currency.
No unauthorised trading.
eDUCATION CAMPAIGNS AND DATA
Trade associations run information campaigns – in collaboration with stakeholders.
Commitment to provide trusted data.
Understanding purchases of in-game content
Purchases of in-game content, sometimes also known as microtransactions, are part of the video games landscape, but they are far from universal. Consumers continue to have plenty of choice without having to engage in any in-game spending. Annually, only 20.8% of video games rated by PEGI contain purchases of in-game content. The majority of players enjoy playing video games without ever making a purchase.
Based on clear existing guidance, the industry communicates with players, making sure that offers to buy in-game content are in line with consumer law and that players have all the information they need to feel confident and in control when they spend money.
Committed to trusted data
Since 2018, Video Games Europe has commissioned Ipsos to conduct an annual survey on how parents monitor children’s spending. The results from the past years (2018-2024) are consistent, and the main conclusions are:
SCAN ME
%
of parents of children who buy in-game extras actively monitor their children’s spending.
%
of the parents of children who play games, say their children do not make in-game purchases (stable since 2020)
%
average decrease in purchases since 2023 amongst those spending
%
of players (aged 11-64) who have spent real money on in-game currency within the game
Additional safeguards for players, with minors in focus
It is part of the everyday work of the industry to inform players, parents and carers about the tools they have at hand and to encourage their use. It is equally important for there to be an open dialogue at home about safe and healthy gameplay. Video Games Europe has developed advice to parents on how put in place a healthy gameplay environment and to encourage parents to take an interest in their child’s online activity and hobby by regularly playing together. Here some useful material:
5 tips for parents
For parents who may be concerned about what their children are playing and about their screen time, this blog ensures parents are aware of all the available tools to control screen-time, in-game spending and privacy.
manage spending
Since 2018, Ipsos has conducted research looking at claimed in-game spend by children and their
parents’/guardians’ supervision of this spend.
Information campaigns
The industry is committed to raising awareness of family setting tools and ensuring their widespread use through regular information campaigns. National trade associations further ensure campaign and resources are also shared in European national languages.