UK regulators are investigating Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony

The UK governmental Competition and Markets Authority department has recently raised concerns about the fairness of the online gaming services provided by Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. It looks like the services in question here are the online subscriptions that allow console gamers to play with others. Moreover, the question is whether these services are legal.

Right now, there’s nothing particularly worrying – i.e. there’re no direct accusations. The CMA has sent official requests to all the three aforementioned companies for detailed terms of use regarding the subscription-based services. The UK authorities think there might be some hidden non-legal practice since several types of subscriptions can be automatically renewed, which means that users’ payment information can be used by Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo on a regular basis. There’re three basic topics, which are most concerning. First of all, the CMA intends to make it clear whether the subscription-based services are fair in terms of providing all the necessary information regarding the deal and some ways to make it more convenient for the end user. Secondly, the authorities want to learn if it’s easy to cancel the deal regarding the subscription and if there’s any way to get a refund.

Finally, the last part of the research touches upon the fairness of the auto-renewal process – given there is one. Interestingly, the CMA is also encouraging common console players to share their humble opinions and experience of using these subscriptions. You can do it yourself by contacting the authorities.

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