The new EU Kids Act aims to enhance child protection but poses significant challenges for the video game industry, particularly for small developers. Here are the key points:
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Main Provisions: The act mandates that video games be child-friendly by default, including features like an eight-hour nighttime lock-out, a ban on screenshots, and mandatory guardian supervision.
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Age Verification: Gamers will need to undergo age verification to access full game features. This is expected to burden developers with compliance costs and redesign efforts.
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Impact on Small Developers: Advocacy groups warn that small developers may struggle to meet these new requirements, potentially resulting in game discontinuation or increased costs passed on to consumers.
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Features Under Scrutiny: The act could restrict game features that encourage social comparison among minors, such as leaderboards and kill counts.
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Widespread Implications: Even community and hobbyist games could be impacted, as the law applies to both new and existing games within the EU.
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Concerns from the Industry: Trade groups and MEPs have voiced worries that the legislation could make the EU an unwelcoming place for video games, leading to developers possibly blocking access to their games within the region.
Overall, while the intent is to prioritize child safety, the potential consequences raise concerns about the sustainability of the gaming marketplace, particularly for smaller developers.
