Impact of the EU Kids Act on the Gaming Industry

The proposed EU Kids Act brings video games, gaming platforms, and online games under its regulatory scope, requiring game companies to provide a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors. This includes users accessing games without an account. The legislation mandates that games must assume all users are minors until proven otherwise, necessitating age verification mechanisms to restrict access to certain features for minors. Notably, the Act prohibits exposing minors to features that could encourage compulsive or excessive use, such as daily login bonuses and re-engagement notifications. Game developers will need to assess the impact of their design choices and ensure compliance with the Act's provisions. As the EU legislative process unfolds, gaming companies should closely monitor developments related to the Kids Act, particularly regarding potential changes to age assurance requirements and game mechanics. This regulatory shift underscores the growing emphasis on child safety in digital spaces and may reshape how games are developed and marketed in the EU.