Recital 40

Minors playing online games should benefit from the same protection in respect of economic transactions as on online social networking services and video-sharing services, including transparency as to the real monetary value of transactions carried out through virtual currencies and protection from exposure to variable reward systems, whose association with gambling-related and compulsive behaviours is well documented. Codes of conduct in the area of online games should build on existing pan-European classification and self-regulatory frameworks or age classification systems at Member State level, including their recent extension to interactive risk categories and monetisation practices, and should keep such frameworks updated in light of scientific and technological developments and emerging risks to minors. Adherence to a code of conduct assessed as adequate by the Commission may serve as an indication of compliance with the measure-based obligations laid down in this Regulation, but cannot derogate from its prohibitions.