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Social Responsibility is No Stick-On Label (Commentary)

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.

Pascal Wagner
Pascal Wagner
September 01, 2026 – 5 min read

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Social Responsibility is No Stick-On Label (Commentary)
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier brought some nuanced perspectives to the industry on stage at the gamescom congress. Not everyone liked that. (Photo: KoelnMesse / gamescom)

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