“Biggest threat yet”: New EU rules could severely restrict online gaming

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1. 1h ago

   New EU Rules Threaten Online Gaming

   Proposed European Union regulations aimed at protecting minors online are drawing sharp criticism from industry advocates who warn the policies will severely restrict online gaming. The Stop Killing Games initiative cautions that the EU KIDS Act could introduce stringent age verification requirements, threaten private servers, and create heavy financial obstacles for independent developers. Meanwhile, the European Commission is separately targeting nine video game companies over digital currencies and in-game item pricing to safeguard consumer rights, while privacy and digital rights groups argue that some legislative measures might ultimately make the internet less secure for users.

   Why it matters

   Global lawmakers face mounting pressure to address the negative mental and physical health impacts of digital platforms on children. While policymakers attempt to construct safer online environments through initiatives like the KIDS Act, critics argue that broad regulatory strokes risk damaging the gaming ecosystem. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny is expanding toward monetization practices within major gaming studios.

   What is confirmed

   • The EU KIDS Act is intended to better protect minors online.
   • The Stop Killing Games initiative warns the EU KIDS Act could bring strict age checks, issues for private servers, and financial hurdles for smaller developers.
   • The European Commission is taking action against nine video game companies over digital currency and item pricing.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The EU KIDS Act represents the biggest threat yet to severely restrict online gaming.

   What to watch next

   • Specific enforcement outcomes from the European Commission against the nine targeted video game companies regarding digital currencies.
   • Further legislative text clarifications or amendments regarding the EU KIDS Act and age verification mandates.
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.thedailystar.net — EU to restrict social media, AI chatbots and online gaming ...
   2. Notebookcheck — “Biggest threat yet”: New EU rules could severely restrict online gaming
   3. europeanscientist.com — Relational AI for Minors: Where the Evidence Supports Regulation – and Where It Does Not Yet
   4. Center for Democracy and Technology — EU Tech Policy Brief: September 2026
   5. Baltic News Network — Experts: Social networks need to be made safer for children; a ban is not the solution · BNN
   6. edri.org — The KIDS Act will make the internet less safe
   7. www.notebookcheck-ru.com — “Biggest threat yet”: New EU rules could severely restrict ...
   8. forum.godotengine.org — New EU rules could severely restrict online gaming
   9. www.ign.com — European Commission Calls Out Riot, Activision, Mojang, and ...
   confidence 90%