Question A proposal to implement Ethical Practices and Non-predatory practices in the Video Game and Entertainment Media Industry.

[GaminLaw]

Summary of the Media Consumer Protection Act of 2025

Fairer Microtransactions: Caps microtransaction prices at 25% of a game’s retail cost (30% for bundles) and bans “pay-to-win” mechanics unless earnable in about 100 hours of play. Games with loot boxes or gambling mechanics get a mature rating, and odds must be disclosed to prevent predatory practices.
Game Preservation: Requires big games (projected sales over 50,000 units) to offer physical copies with all base content on-disc, playable offline without internet. Prevents publishers from removing purchased content post-release, ensuring long-term access.
Hardware Freedom: Guarantees your right to modify, repair, or use gaming consoles and peripherals without restrictions, like software locks. Manufacturers can’t disable your hardware unless it’s a major security risk, with FTC approval.
Anti-Cheating in Multiplayer: Mandates effective anti-cheating systems for competitive games (e.g., Call of Duty, Valorant), with refunds for players harmed by cheating. Standards are set by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Data Privacy & Accessibility: Protects your personal data with strict privacy rules and requires games to include accessibility features like subtitles and colorblind modes. Indie developers get simplified guidelines and waivers to ease compliance.
Indie Developer Support: Exempts small developers (under 25 employees, $10M revenue) from some requirements, like physical copies, and provides free resources, legal guidance, and fairer digital storefront fees (max 15% revenue).
AI Content Transparency: Restricts AI-generated art, music, or text in games unless disclosed and human-edited, ensuring creativity and transparency.
Whistleblower Protections: Safeguards employees who report violations, with the Department of Labor handling retaliation complaints.
Congressional Oversight: Agencies report to Congress twice a year on progress, ensuring accountability. Consumers can file complaints or sue for violations, with penalties up to $20,000 per offense.
Why It Matters: This bill empowers gamers with affordable, accessible, and lasting games, protects your rights to hardware and data, and supports small developers.

Have Your Say: Share your thoughts on this bill! Would it make gaming better? What needs tweaking?

 

[Zloth]

Anti-Cheating in Multiplayer: Mandates effective anti-cheating systems for competitive games (e.g., Call of Duty, Valorant), with refunds for players harmed by cheating. Standards are set by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

If the companies making the games could do that, they would have done it. They've gone to such extremes as to add the equivalent of root kits to PCs to try and stop cheating! Creating a law will not make doing this suddenly possible.

 

[Zimbaly]

I'd like to see something to address the always online for single player games stuff.
I bought it on the store front, how the hell do I have a pirated copy that I need to be online to prove I bought it..... on the store front.

 

[Johnway]

i think its relevant to add it here but we should introduce the same things for stopkillingames has been fighting for: publishers/Developers should code/build games allowing for easy sunsetting of games as opposed to just killing them after they stop supporting them.


GOG is moving toward the right step with games being playable offline but too many games don't get saved. Especially multiplayer ones. I'm ok with just having community hosted servers or perhaps just allowing us to play against bots.