Ukie claims ‘restrictive’ subscription proposals could harm game businesses in the UK
UK video game industry trade body Ukie is calling on the Labour government to clarify how new consumer subscription regulations will impact video game companies. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a series of “everyday fixes” designed to address the cost of living crisis, including proposals to counter what he termed “subscription traps” — subscriptions that renew at higher costs and are difficult to cancel.
The government’s plan introduces a 14-day cooling off period allowing consumers to cancel subscriptions after a trial without incurring additional charges. The regulations aim to make it easier for people to exit subscription contracts without penalties, particularly targeting automatic renewals at elevated prices.
Ukie has raised concerns that these “restrictive” proposals could negatively impact video game businesses in the UK. The trade body is seeking clarification on how the regulations will be implemented and their specific effects on the gaming industry’s subscription-based business models, which are a significant revenue source for many companies offering game subscriptions and recurring billing services.