In-app purchases: Free games can be expensive
Gamescom 2025On the topic of in-app purchases, the European Consumer Centre Germany (EVZ) warns that many free games entice children and young people to spend money through microtransactions and waiting-time mechanics. The centre documents cases with bills ranging from several hundred euros to over €1,200.
Alexander Wahl from the EVZ legal team comments:
The games entice people to spend money.
Legal aspects
In Germany, children under the age of seven are considered not legally competent, and parental consent is required for children aged 7–18. The so-called "pocket money clause" (§ 110 BGB) does not apply in these cases. The pocket money clause states that a contract concluded by a minor can be valid if the payment is made with funds that have been given to them by their parents for their free disposal, but it does not apply if the amount is disproportionately high or if a subscription has been taken out. The EVZ advises parents to quickly lodge an objection in the event of unauthorized debits.
Regulatory measures
At the regulatory level, the EU's Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) has already issued guidelines that require, among other things, prices to be clearly and transparently stated in real currency amounts: "Price indication should be clear and transparent". The recommendations aim to make the economic impact of in-game currencies visible and to better protect vulnerable groups such as children.
Practical measures
The practical measures mentioned by the EVZ are of a technical and administrative nature, such as activating password protection or completely deactivating in-app purchases, avoiding carrier billing (billing via the mobile phone bill), and setting up a third-party block with the mobile phone provider. In addition, prepaid credit from app stores helps to limit spending. Another obvious precaution is not storing payment details on children's devices.
Major gaming events
According to the EZV, the issue becomes especially relevant during major gaming events such as Gamescom, because free titles with new monetization mechanisms are promoted and the number of young subsribing users surge. However, EVZ points out that prevention through awareness and education is more effective than legal disputes with game providers.
