PUBG Operator Fined for Misrepresenting In-Game Item Probabilities
The fines and corrective orders are part of a broader effort to regulate the gaming industry and protect consumers from misleading information, with the FTC taking a proactive approach to enforcing the Game Industry Promotion Act and ensuring transparency in probability-based item mechanics.
Krafton, the operator of "PUBG: Battlegrounds," and Com2uS, which runs "Starseed: Asnia Trigger," have been fined by the Fair Trade Commission for misrepresenting the probabilities of chance-based in-game items, with Krafton found to have falsely advertised the chances of obtaining items, including a promotional skin set.
The Fair Trade Commission of Korea imposed fines of 2.5 million won each on Krafton and Com2uS for violating the Game Industry Promotion Act, which requires clear disclosure of probability-based item mechanics. The companies were found to have falsely advertised the probabilities of acquiring in-game items, with Krafton selling items with a claimed 91% probability of being acquired, but the actual probability was 0%.
Com2uS was also found to have falsely advertised the chances of increasing character stats in a bundle, with a claimed 24% chance of compensation, but the actual probability was 0%. Both companies were ordered to submit measures to prevent future misinformation and have already taken steps to refund and compensate customers.
The FTC's action follows a March 2023 revision to the Game Industry Promotion Act, which aims to protect consumers from misleading information and ensure transparency in the gaming industry. The fines and corrective orders imposed on Krafton and Com2uS serve as a warning to other gaming companies to comply with the regulations and provide accurate information to their customers.