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ARTICLE · 30 APRIL 2019

EU Objects To Game Companies Geo-blocking Video Games

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The European Commission has informed various game companies (platforms and publishers) of its preliminary view that the companies prevented consumers from purchasing video games cross-border from other Member States.

GlobalMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
James Gatto
James Gatto
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The European Commission has informed various game companies (platforms and publishers) of its preliminary view that the companies prevented consumers from purchasing video games cross-border from other Member States, in breach of EU competition rules.

According to the Commissioner in charge of competition policy:

In a true Digital Single Market, European consumers should have the right to buy and play video games of their choice regardless of where they live in the EU. Consumers should not be prevented from shopping around between Member States to find the best available deal. Valve and the five PC video game publishers now have the chance to respond to our concerns.

Many of the games at issue require an "activation key" for consumers to authenticate the game and play it.

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