European Strategy for Regulating Online Video Games and New Digital Markets: A Comparison of Emerging Opportunities and the Current Italian Regulatory Framework

Europe is targeting video games for economic growth, employment and increased sales volumes. This is a booming sector whose strong push toward innovation that contributes to the digital transformation within the European Union. In fact, the use of video games is not only limited to leisure activities but also has strong uses in the area of skill enhancement, especially digital, education as well as aiding advancement in technological areas. With regard to turnovers, one context greatly impacted by this sector is online sales of digital goods sold in online video games. Alongside the attractive sales volumes, however, are serious risks arising from noncompliance with existing regulations within such new sales contexts. This paper therefore aims to analyse these new contexts, assessing concrete risks and examining specific means of protection to create a safer environment for players and buyers of goods within video games. Keywords: Video games; Contractual obligation; Children; Compliance