The European Union takes today's spotlight, through classifying not only ChatGPT, but also Roblox as a Very Large Online Platform. Double Fine brings back its quirky game jam model, and we look back on several things that happened during gamescom.
Whether we like it or not, dear readers,
governmental scrutiny is on the games industry. The gamescom week has shown that, because both high-profile political speakers, Henna Virkkunen of the European Commission and Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have reinforced the need for better protection against dark patterns and certain monetisation models. Mainly in case of young players, and with hints to the commendable work of USK and PEGI, but the unspoken part of both speeches leaves more fields of monitoring wide open.
The message is pretty clear: While both promise location advantages for developers in the EU, profit maximisation at any cost is a no-go from the union that is generally pretty invested with consumer protection rights. It's a warning shot as well, because self-regulating the most questionable business models out of existing would potentially keep the industry from too much oversight. Although the wheels that have been set in motion – specifically the Digital Fairness Act, and the VLOP classification of Roblox as well – will not stop now that they have been decided.
Parts of the industry are understandably concerned about that, but its also true that the vast majority of game developers will not be touched in their business models by these upcoming changes. One might even argue that these processes bring with them good changes. I invite you to read my commentary, linked just below here, for such a perspective. And if you don't agree with that, you know how to reach us.
Here are the news of the day!
Your Pascal Wagner
Steinmeier's and Virkkunen's promise to keep certain monetisation and dark pattern models in check has been decried in parts of the industry. But if it wants to adorn itself with social responsibility laurels, it will have to reckon with the truths behind these problems as well.
(Read more...)
by Pascal Wagner
Advertorial | AI 3D platform Meshy closed out a busy gamescom week — its booth drew attention from industry visitors and users well beyond the company's expectations.
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by meshy.ai
The European Commission has designated Roblox and Reddit as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). ChatGPT has also been classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE). Roblox is the first game to be classified as a VLOP.
(Read more...)
by Marcel Kleffmann
We spoke to Hesse Economic Minister Kaweh Mansoori after his gamescom reception about what Hesse, home of Nintendo of Europe, Crytek, Keen Games, Deck13 and many more, can and wants to do better for the games industry.
(Read more...)
From March 2027 onward, several courses at the SAE Institute Vienna will be offered in English as well. The private education group reacts to increased international demand with this move.
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The business area is the most important place for trade visitors from around the world. It's where the who's who of the industry meets. Part two of our photo series includes: Austria, Ravensburger, Remedy Entertainment, Ikea, Panache, Lego, SpielFabrique and more...
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The gaming café franchise Friendly Fire has closed a €4 million Series A funding round. The funding will be used to accelerate international expansion, improve technology and strengthen franchisee support.
(Read more...)
Double Fine's Kickstarter for the return of their Amnesia Fortnight game jam is already two thirds funded after one day. The newly independent studio is bringing back the project that was discontinued under Microsoft.
(Read more...)
Marcel Kleffmann
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