New characters, extra levels, and cool virtual game items: these are examples of content that players can purchase through microtransactions in a video game. The ability to buy in-game content has played a crucial role in supporting greater consumer choice and financing the European video game sector. Purchases of in-game content have enabled the development of new game features, including free-to-play games and the live operations of games long after their release—often by small and independent studios. The video game sector is committed to a policy framework that ensures fair and transparent player and consumer experiences in all circumstances.

1. PEGI Ratings

To better inform consumers, there is the European age and content rating system, PEGI (Pan European Game Information), which rates tens of thousands of video games in over 40 countries. If a video game offers the possibility to purchase additional content, this is clearly indicated with the In-Game Purchases icon. This symbol appears on the packaging or download page, signaling that additional expenses are optional.

All three major console manufacturers (Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox) require each video game to clearly display all relevant PEGI age and content labels. If this is not done, the game will not be available on the console platform. Google also uses the PEGI rating system, while Apple has its own system. Steam does not require age and content descriptors, but all PEGI-rated games on their digital platform do prominently feature the PEGI labels.

2. PEGI Code of Conduct

Game companies that use the PEGI label are contractually bound by the associated PEGI Code of Conduct. Since the fall of 2023, this has included clear obligations regarding the purchase of in-game content. For example, games must clearly communicate:
• What exactly is being purchased in-game.
• The cost of these items.
• Whether the purchase affects gameplay.

Transactions are kept separate from gameplay, ensuring that the commercial intent behind purchasing in-game content is clearly and unambiguously distinguished from the gameplay experience. This makes it obvious to players when they are being asked to make a financial decision. Gaming companies must also provide a payment summary or invoice in the gaming account after each transaction.

Additionally, the probabilities of obtaining paid random items must be transparent and consistent for all players. These items must be distributed fairly, without any manipulation based on the unfair processing of personal data, and in compliance with applicable data protection and privacy laws.

In cases of non-compliance with the Code of Conduct, the PEGI Enforcement Committee can impose corrective actions and sanctions.

3. No skin gambling

PEGI signatories are required to have a policy explicitly prohibiting players from using in-game content for unlawful gambling or betting activities (such as skin gambling or skin betting). These policies should include clear wording on the enforcement of potential penalties such as suspending or banning players in the case of illegal trading. The sector also welcomes further support from regulators to combat such unauthorized uses of in-game content.

4. Parental control

Virtually all modern consoles, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, as well as mobile gaming platforms and PCs (Windows, Google Play, and Apple), offer parental controls. These tools allow parents and guardians to:
• Set limits on purchases of in-game content.
• Protect purchases with a password or confirmation.
• Receive usage and spending reports.

Many systems come with default settings that limit spending to zero for child accounts. Increasingly, non-device-based systems also require verified parental consent before granting access to purchase options within a game.

We provide consumers with extensive information about parental control tools via our consumer websites: speelhetslim.be (in Dutch) and jouezmalin.be (in French).

5. Refund policies

If spending occurs without parental consent or knowledge, video game companies provide fair and reasonable refund policies. They also offer instructions on how to activate and manage parental controls and family settings.

6. Information campaigns and trusted data

The video game sector works hard to ensure that (grand)parents, teachers, and caregivers can make informed decisions about how children engage with games. It empowers them with tools to set boundaries while respecting children’s best interests. The sector is committed to raising awareness of these tools and ensuring they are widely used through consumer websites, such as speelhetslim.be (in Dutch) and jouezmalin.be (in French) in Belgium.

The video game sector strongly welcomes any support from Member States and European Union institutions to help raise awareness of these resources, safeguards and technological tools.

Furthermore, the sector provides annual data on how parents monitor children’s spending and the extent to which children spend money on in-game content. According to our own survey, 30% of Belgian parents allow their children to spend money while playing a video game. Of these, 17% permit their children to spend between €10 and €50 per month.