The recent complaint filed by UFC-Que Choisir and CLCV against industry giants has highlighted the dangers of these in-game purchases. What are the stakes of this legal battle and what impact does it have on players?
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Billions at stake
Microtransactions are a thriving industry, generating annual profits exceeding $50 billion. Players regularly spend real money to acquire virtual currencies, which are used to purchase items and features in games.
This economic model is criticized for its lack of transparency. Indeed, consumers often lose sight of the real value of their spending, which can lead to impulse and repeat purchases.
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An opaque and controversial practice
Consumer protection associations denounce publishers' strategies that encourage endless spending. According to UFC-Que Choisir, virtual currencies hide the real cost of objects, thus misleading players.
Young players are particularly vulnerable, not always having a developed financial awareness. Publishers deliberately target this audience, taking advantage of their lack of vigilance.
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The companies targeted
Giants like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft are accused of abusive business practices. These companies use sophisticated marketing techniques to maximize player spending.
Whales, dedicated players who spend astronomical sums, are particularly targeted. Although they are few in number, they generate a substantial share of the revenue of freemium games.
| Résumé | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎮 Microtransactions | $50 billion in annual revenue |
| 🪙 Virtual currencies | Used to hide the real value of expenses |
| 👾 Young players | Particularly vulnerable to publisher strategies |
Consumer associations recommend several actions to protect players:
- Informing players about financial risks
- Encourage publishers to clearly display prices in euros
- Monitor young players' spending
The current situation raises crucial questions for the future of video games. Should publishers review their business practices? How can players better protect themselves against these scams?
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