Mandatory Display of Probabilistic Game Item Information to Prevent Scam Games

Fair Trade Commission Revises Standard Terms for Online and Mobile Games Separately

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Information about 'probability-based game items,' which has been highly controversial for deceiving consumers, will now be transparently disclosed. A dedicated channel will also be established to refund 'paid items (items purchased with real money)' that cannot be used due to unilateral service termination by game companies.

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) announced on the 26th that it has revised the 'Standard Terms and Conditions for Online Games' and 'Standard Terms and Conditions for Mobile Games' accordingly.

First, game companies are now required to mandatorily display information related to probability-based items, which have frequently caused user harm due to probability manipulation or nondisclosure of probability information.

Additionally, to address the so-called 'runaway game' issue involving paid items and paid services with remaining usage periods, game companies must establish customer response measures such as a dedicated channel for refund procedures of paid items for at least 30 days after service termination.

This revision of the standard terms and conditions reflects amendments to the Game Industry Act, requests and difficulties from industry-representative business associations, and comprehensively considers opinions from consumer groups, related organizations, and legal experts.

The standard terms and conditions fairly define the rights and obligations of the parties involved by reflecting the positions of businesses and customers, serving as a standard contract in certain transaction fields. The FTC can recommend their use to businesses and business associations.

The FTC plans to post the revised standard terms and conditions on its website and notify businesses and consumer groups to actively encourage the use of the revised standard terms and conditions by businesses.

Meanwhile, regarding the protection of game users, the FTC plans to conduct a legislative notice for amendments to the Electronic Commerce Act in March to introduce a system requiring foreign businesses to designate domestic agents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.