Trade bodies TIGA, from the UK, and the American Entertainment Software Association (ESA), as well as European age-ratings organisation PEGI, have replied to the report released yesterday by the UK's Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The CEO of TIGA Dr Richard Wilson agreed with MPs' suggestion that there should be further research conducted into both gaming disorder and whether loot boxes do indeed constitute gambling. Wilson goes on to say that such research should not be funded by the games industry, with the Government picking up the bill.
“TIGA agrees with the Committee that research into gaming disorder is scarce and more, high-quality studies are required to fully understand the condition," he said.
"We also agree that the Government should commission further research into gaming disorder and to ascertain appropriate time limits for playing games. At present, this is unclear. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health suggests that it is ‘impossible’ to recommend age-appropriate time limits, instead urging parents to ‘approach screen time based on the child’s development age [and] individual need.'
“To ensure impartiality of research, any studies into gaming disorder should be funded by government and not industry."
Meanwhile, European age-ratings body PEGI has said told GamesIndustry.biz that it is working with the relevant authorities to find solutions to the points raised by DCMS' report.
"PEGI is currently reviewing the various recommendations in the report and discussing the practical implications of these recommendations," the organisation said.
"We are committed to remain a trusted source of information for parents and consumers regarding the content of video games. There is already a lot of debate ongoing about the concerns that are raised in the report and we will continue to work with the authorities to find appropriate solutions to ensure that gamers of all ages can play in a safe and responsible environment."
Meanwhile, US video games trade body the ESA has told GamesIndustry.biz that it disagrees with the DCMS select committee report.
"We take seriously the issues raised in the UK Parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee report, but strongly disagree with its findings," the ESA said.
"As demonstrated by the recent announcement of policies regarding the disclosure of the relative rarity or probability of obtaining virtual items in paid loot boxes as well as the robust parental controls that empower parents to control in-game purchases, the video game industry is a leader in partnering with parents and players to create enjoyable video game experiences. In addition, numerous regulatory bodies around the world, including those in Australia, France, Ireland, Germany, and the UK, have come to a conclusion starkly different than that of this committee."
UK video games trade body UKIE replied to the report yesterday when it was initially published.
