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SAFE and healthy gameplay
Our Commitment to players and consumers
Video Games Europe, the European Game Developers Federation, and our members are committed to a fair and transparent player and consumer experience when playing games. Here our positions on fair and transparent purchases of in-game content.
PEGI CODE OF CONDUCT
ARTICLE 8 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
- Video Games Europe and national 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 purchase 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 (2018-2025) are consistent, and the main conclusions are:
93%
of parents of children who buy in-game extras actively monitor their children’s spending
71%
of the parents of children who play games, say their children do not make in-game purchases (stable since 2020)
79%
of parents across EU16 with children that play video gamer are aware of the PEGI age labels
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 set up a healthy gameplay environment and to encourage parents to take an interest in the 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
Healthy balance while playing
Video games are a passion that engages millions of children and young people, just like with sports or other hobbies; it’s important to do this in a healthy, responsible way.