EU proposal could ban daily rewards and streaks for child players
The European Commission's proposed EU Kids Act includes rules that would prohibit games from using engagement mechanics like daily log-in bonuses and activity streaks for minors. Legal experts warn this could force companies to either remove such features for all EU users or implement age assurance. The proposal also mandates guardian tools and aims to prevent compulsive play.
The proposal remains in draft form, and companies can still voice concerns through policy experts or trade bodies before finalization. If enacted, the rules would apply broadly across nearly all game types, including mobile titles, and would require guardian-controlled access for children under 13.
App stores would also need consistent age-rating systems, with Google Play already using PEGI and Apple's App Store maintaining its own classifications. Legal experts suggest this may be the first of several regulatory moves, with virtual currencies and loot boxes potentially facing similar scrutiny next.
This proposal could reshape how game developers design engagement features across the EU market. If companies choose to remove time-based rewards for all users rather than implement age verification, adult players would also lose these mechanics. The broader regulatory trend toward child safety in digital spaces may continue expanding, potentially affecting how the industry approaches monetization features in the future.