The European Commission's proposed EU Kids Act, which aims to establish new rules for how individuals under 15 access online services including video games, may inadvertently impact single-player titles. The draft legislation mandates age verification for users accessing 'online games,' and its current definition could ensnare games that rely on platforms like Steam for essential functions such as updates, distribution, or even a one-time authentication.
Defining 'Online Games'
The EU Kids Act proposes a tiered system for account creation and access for minors under 15. While the specific definition of 'online game' was initially unclear, the officially released proposal documents offer a broad interpretation. According to Paul Diegel, a senior policy adviser for the European Pirate Party, the current wording could include single-player games simply because they connect to platforms like Steam for updates.
The relevant section of the proposal states that "[v]ideo games have become an important part of the digital environment in which minors participate and interact with others, in a playful, goal-oriented or entertaining manner." It further elaborates that "some online games that do not allow the dissemination of information to an indeterminate number of recipients should also fall within the scope of this Regulation." This includes "any game that can be played on a computer, a mobile device, or a games console, irrespective of whether the game underlying software is subsequently executed locally, remotely, such as by means of durable medium, and irrespective of whether the service is provided free of charge, against payment, or against hybrid remuneration involving in-service (or in-application) purchases."
Physical Media Exception
The sole exception explicitly mentioned in the current draft applies to games that are "accessible or purchasable exclusively through physical media, without any online component enabling their access, distribution, or purchase." This suggests that if a game requires any form of online connection, even just for updates or initial authentication, it could fall under the proposed regulations and require age verification for users under 15.
It is important to note that the EU Kids Act is still a proposal. Definitions and wording are likely to be refined during the legislative process. It remains to be seen whether the final law will maintain such a broad interpretation or if definitions will be tightened to specifically target games with social or interactive online components, akin to social media platforms.