The Stop Killing Games initiative has recently experienced a notable surge in activity, especially with the backing of Nicolae Ștefănuță, Vice President of the European Parliament. Ștefănuță has publicly shown his endorsement of the initiative by signing its petition, which has now exceeded 1.35 million signatures, surpassing its original goal of 1 million. This initiative confronts the trend of video game publishers ceasing support for games, raising worries for consumers as titles become outdated when removed from sale or unsupported, exemplified by Ubisoft’s withdrawal of “The Crew.”

Ștefănuță conveyed his support on Instagram, asserting that once a video game is purchased, it is the property of the consumer. The campaign’s official Bluesky account further emphasized his endorsement. Despite the campaign’s viral triumph, Video Games Europe, a representative body for significant industry figures like Ubisoft and Microsoft, released a statement acknowledging the community’s fervor while defending the need to halt online services when they are no longer sustainable.

With the EU petition surpassing 1 million signatures, it is now qualified for submission to the EU for verification, which may lead to a public hearing or discussion in the European Parliament. In addition, the UK petition has also gained momentum, surpassing 150,000 signatures, which requires consideration for a parliamentary discussion. However, the UK government had previously indicated it had no intentions to revise consumer laws regarding video games. The campaign continues to pursue further support to ensure its issues are recognized by governmental institutions.

Whether you’re searching for a unique skin, unlocking a battle pass, or refilling chips at an online casino, in-game purchases have become ingrained in the gaming experience. They’re speedy, sometimes tempting, and frequently crafted to feel effortless. However, this convenience may come with a cost—both financially and otherwise. Understanding what you’re actually purchasing, how you’re paying, and what safeguards are in place can assist you in maintaining control.

Expanding Payment Options

The majority of popular games accommodate PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, while console systems often provide wallet top-ups through vouchers. In the mobile arena, carrier billing remains favored, allowing users to pay via their monthly phone bill, though this can lead to unintentional overspending.

Cryptocurrencies are also making their debut and are particularly prevalent in casino platforms, where anonymity and swift transaction times attract many players. For instance, Ethereum is now broadly utilized for deposits and withdrawals at crypto casinos. You can even discover curated lists that assist players in identifying the top ETH casinos to visit. These focus on aspects such as speed, safety, and user experience.

Of course, conventional payment methods like credit and debit cards still hold relevance for in-game transactions, and we don’t anticipate their disappearance anytime soon.

Real Money, Virtual Possession

When you purchase a skin, weapon, or dance emote, you don’t genuinely own it. What you obtain is a license to utilize it within that game’s framework. This indicates that if your account is suspended or the game ceases to exist, all your purchases could be lost.

Loot boxes introduce another layer of unpredictability. These digital “mystery boxes” allow players to pay for the opportunity to unlock something rare, although what you receive is random. Certain countries have started regulating loot boxes as a form of gambling, necessitating publishers to display drop rates or implement safeguards to restrict spending. Nonetheless, numerous players still invest considerable sums trying to acquire a sought-after item. The psychological allure is substantial.

Battle passes, however, provide more organization. These generally reward players with unlockable content throughout a game season, as long as they continue playing and completing objectives. The primary distinction is that what you receive is explicitly outlined from the beginning. Still, you’re paying for content that might completely lose its value once the season concludes.

In-Game Purchases in Social Games

Mobile games that replicate games of chance, like slot or card game applications, often blur the distinction between entertainment and gambling. Many don’t provide real-world payouts but still prompt players to buy virtual chips with actual money. This is where complications can arise: you’re spending real money simply to continue playing or maintain a winning streak, with no actual return.

Some of these applications have encountered legal disputes over allegations that they exploit compulsive behavior. Developers frequently circumvent gambling regulations by asserting that no cash prizes are involved. Yet, the mechanics—paying to spin, waiting for timers, or paying again—will feel recognizable to anyone familiar with games of chance.

Moreover, these applications often utilize aggressive pricing tactics. They may present appealing starter bundles at low prices to attract players, followed by significantly pricier chip packs once a player is invested. It can be easy to lose track of your spending, especially with mobile payment systems or stored credit card information.

Refunds Aren’t Always Available

One of the more exasperating aspects of in-game transactions is the absence of refunds. Once you make a purchase, that’s typically the end of it. Most companies do not permit returns or exchanges unless a technical issue arises, and even in those cases, the process can be slow or entirely denied.

Before you proceed to purchase, verify what you’re buying thoroughly. Refund policies differ significantly by platform (for instance, Steam is more lenient than mobile app stores), so it’s beneficial to be aware of your rights in advance.

Ensuring Safety and Maintaining Control

As additional payment options are introduced, including crypto, prepaid cards, and third-party services, the risks escalate. Scams and phishing links disguised as “free skin” offers

EA has declared that Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimović will be the cover athlete for EA Sports FC 26, with the complete reveal trailer scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, July 16th. The game will launch on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, and PC later this year. Ibrahimović, who has retired from professional football, will appear on the Ultimate Edition of the game as an icon item, honoring his remarkable career with clubs such as Barcelona, PSG, Inter Milan, and Ajax. This announcement comes after several hints and leaks regarding his inclusion, along with 12 new ICONS including Alex Morgan and Andres Iniesta, and eight new Heroes like Daniele De Rossi.

Ibrahimović’s return to EA’s titles follows a public dispute in 2021 concerning the use of his likeness, which appears to have been settled. The standard edition of EA Sports FC 26 is expected to feature Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala as co-cover athletes. Last year’s EA Sports FC 25 was criticized for persistent gameplay issues, impacting its financial success despite favorable initial reviews. EA CEO Andrew Wilson mentioned an increase in pre-orders and engagement but noted fewer players moving from EA Sports FC 24 to 25. It remains uncertain whether Ibrahimović’s return will motivate more players to transition to EA Sports FC 26.

The official reveal trailer for EA Sports FC 26 will debut on the EA Sports FC YouTube channel on Wednesday, July 16 at 8:57am PDT / 11:57am EDT / 4:57pm BST, with a duration of two minutes and 25 seconds.