The European video game sector is booming, with a market value estimated at €23.3 billion in 2021. This caught the attention of the European Parliament, which on January 17 debated a report calling for harmonized EU-level rules to protect online players. The report, which was voted on on 18 January, also highlights the important potential for innovation, growth and job creation in the sector and proposes support measures. The potential that Romania has, but does not use.

What should be removed from the report?

One important aspect is providing a safer environment for players. The Parliament asks the European Commission to analyze the way the famous “loot boxes” are sold and to take the necessary measures for a common European approach to consumer protection. For those who aren’t familiar, loot boxes are those mysterious boxes that give you different chances to get certain items/skins, etc. in game, but nothing is guaranteed. Some countries already consider this aspect as a form of gambling, for example Belgium with the virtual currency of the FIFA game.

The report also points out that canceling subscriptions to online video games should be as easy as signing up, and that automatic renewal can be problematic if it continues indefinitely against the consumer’s intentions. The return and refund policy must comply with EU consumer protection legislation to guarantee consumer rights.

Why is this report important?

Because it shows that the video game industry is taken seriously at European level and that measures are being taken to support and protect it in the long term. It should also be taken seriously in Romania, a country with over 8 million Romanians who play video games. Moreover, even with performance in the field! This year our country produced the best Counter Strike – Global Offensive (CS:GO) player in the world, and last year the Romanian won the League of Legends European Championship.

E-sports and games in general are not only a passion of young people. One of the main reasons why eSports should be more popular in Romania is the economic benefit it can bring. The eSports industry is worth billions of dollars worldwide, and some of the most famous games are produced in whole or in part even in Romania. We’re talking about titles like FIFA, Assassin’s Creed, Need For Speed, etc.

By supporting the development of this sector in Romania, the country could gain access to this lucrative market and even develop video game studios with full Romanian capital. This could lead to the creation of new jobs and businesses, as well as increased revenue from hosting major eSports events such as the Dota 2 World Championship in Bucharest in 2021.

Unfortunately, in Romania the eSports industry is not yet developed enough and not federalized, although we have some private organizations that have invested in teams, created tournaments, pay players, this is not enough, and here we can mention organizations like NEXUS , Digital Crusade, allStars Gaming etc.

This fact reduces the number of opportunities to make a career in this field in the country. It is important that the government invests in this sector and creates opportunities for those who want to make a career in eSports. Read the whole article and comment on Contributors.ro