The Dutch Games Association continues its work during the slow summer months. Like many, Rami is enjoying a well-deserved break, which is why this update is coming from our General Manager, Martine Spaans.
No slow summer for the international games industry…
Last month, we teamed up with VGFN for a visit to the Ministry of Economic Affairs to address some hot topics concerning regulations, both on national and European levels. While some may feel more regulation is needed to protect consumers—and especially minors—the proposals fail to recognise regulations already in place, like the PEGI system. The proposals around price transparency also do not take into account the complexity behind in-game currencies. How does one calculate the monetary value of a gem when gems can also be obtained for free by completing a quest? These are just some examples of the issues addressed during the meeting. Our goal is to keep the dialogue going, making sure that new regulations take the industry’s practicalities into account.
Around the same time, we saw pressure from consumer protection organisations resulting in censorship through credit card processors. Platforms like Itch.io and Steam have left many developers stunned as adult-themed content was removed overnight, including LGBTQ+ positive games that did not contain any 18+ content at all.
The DGA strongly supports freedom of speech through creative work and the self-regulating instruments that are already in place. We have not released an official statement on this topic yet, but as a member of the European Game Developers Association, we’re working behind the scenes on joint actions to address European policymakers.
During August, we can hopefully focus a bit more on positive news for the industry. At Gamescom, we will proudly present no fewer than 23 Dutch companies, and on Wednesday the 20th, we will welcome a European delegation of policymakers (hosted by Video Games Europe) and give them a tour of the Netherlands Pavilion.
See you there!
Martine