The International Social Games Association (ISGA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Commission’s consultation on the Digital Fairness Act (DFA). ISGA members represent a broad cross-section of the global interactive entertainment industry, with a significant European presence. We support the Commission’s objectives of fostering fairness and consumer protection in digital environments. However, we are concerned that some of the measures under consideration - particularly a potential ban or excessive restrictions on in-game currencies - would have unintended, highly damaging consequences for the video games ecosystem in Europe.

Australia has quietly become one of the most important players in the global games industry. This in-depth ISGA research report explores how the country has built a thriving ecosystem for game development, fueled by widespread gameplay across all age groups, a supportive policy environment, and a world-class independent game scene.

As part of our commitment to promoting responsible standards and ensuring a consistent global framework for the social games industry based on the core values of consumer protection, accountability and transparency, the International Social Games Association are pleased to announce an updated version of its Best Practice Principles.

The changes will apply to video games on mobile devices and tablets, as well as computers and gaming consoles, phones and tablets.

We were delighted to host a Friends of Video Games event at Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra.

We are pleased to announce a major update of our Smart Mobile Gamers website as part of our strong and ongoing commitment to self-regulation, which is recognised as the most effective way of ensuring compliance across the global industry.

Another trip to Australia this month to discuss Classification, Loot boxes, Tax-off sets, secondary market, consumer protection and more…!

The ISGA’s research programme ensures that we understand how social games are played and the impact they have on players, allows us to revise and update our Best Practice Principles, and provides a solid basis for constructive dialogue with key stakeholders.