The European Union is concerned that so-called free games aren't actually free, since much of their functionality comes from in-app purchases. February 27, 2014 6:14 AM PST (Credit: Apple) Apple and Google will be among the organizations to talk to the EU this week about the impact "freemium" apps are having on the industry. In a statement on Thursday, the EU's European Commission said that it wants to investigate in-app purchases on games that can be downloaded for free. The Commission argues that while games can be downloaded for free, their forcing of customers to pay for add-ons that bring functionality to the title might belie the idea of truly playing a game for "free." So-called "freemium" games and apps have become increasingly popular in mobile marketplaces. The titles can be downloaded at no cost, but come with a wide range of in-app purchases that help the developer, who might have spent thousands on developing the title, to generate a return on that investment. Related stories Sid Meier lets fly with mobile game -- and why you'll be happy to pay EA's Real Racing 3 a hit despite 'freemium' gripes Real Racing 3 accelerates EA's 'freemium' push How Electronic Arts resurrected its DOA Simpsons game Freemium games are the ticket to app profits -- study According to the EC, the issue with "free to play" games or apps is that they often target children. Those kids then spend money to buy in-game downloads. To start the process of improving that, the EC says, it will meet with several consumer watchdog organizations across the EU. Apple, Google, and other companies involved in the distribution of apps will also be asked to comment on the topic. When those conversations commence starting on Thursday and extending to Friday, the EC will specifically assert that free games "should not mislead consumers about the true costs" and "not contain direct exhortations to children to buy items." The EC would also like the see the industry stop automatically debiting from on-file credit cards and have developers provide a contact e-mail address in the event there are are any complaints from users. The EC was quick to note, however, that there has yet to be any action taken, and it's unsure right now whether it will move forward on forcing companies to adhere to those standards.
The European Union is concerned that so-called free games aren't actually free, since much of their functionality comes from in-app purchases.
(Credit: Apple)
Apple and Google will be among the organizations to talk to the EU this week about the impact "freemium" apps are having on the industry.
In a statement on Thursday, the EU's European Commission said that it wants to investigate in-app purchases on games that can be downloaded for free. The Commission argues that while games can be downloaded for free, their forcing of customers to pay for add-ons that bring functionality to the title might belie the idea of truly playing a game for "free."
So-called "freemium" games and apps have become increasingly popular in mobile marketplaces. The titles can be downloaded at no cost, but come with a wide range of in-app purchases that help the developer, who might have spent thousands on developing the title, to generate a return on that investment.
Related stories
- Sid Meier lets fly with mobile game -- and why you'll be happy to pay
- EA's Real Racing 3 a hit despite 'freemium' gripes
- Real Racing 3 accelerates EA's 'freemium' push
- How Electronic Arts resurrected its DOA Simpsons game
- Freemium games are the ticket to app profits -- study
According to the EC, the issue with "free to play" games or apps is that they often target children. Those kids then spend money to buy in-game downloads.
To start the process of improving that, the EC says, it will meet with several consumer watchdog organizations across the EU. Apple, Google, and other companies involved in the distribution of apps will also be asked to comment on the topic.
When those conversations commence starting on Thursday and extending to Friday, the EC will specifically assert that free games "should not mislead consumers about the true costs" and "not contain direct exhortations to children to buy items." The EC would also like the see the industry stop automatically debiting from on-file credit cards and have developers provide a contact e-mail address in the event there are are any complaints from users.
The EC was quick to note, however, that there has yet to be any action taken, and it's unsure right now whether it will move forward on forcing companies to adhere to those standards.
