Rovio: ‘We must do free-to-play ethically’

Angry Birds creators Rovio says it is crucial that parents are made aware of the costs in free-to-play games.

The firm’s comments come after an OFT investigation, which found that developers and platform holders must ensure users – particularly parents and children – are made aware of in-game costs.

Rovio launched a major free-to-play kids mobile game late last year in Angry Birds Go. But the studio says it is already making parents aware of its in-app purchases.

The only way to do free-to-play is ethically. Accidental purchases benefit no-one,” said Jami Laes, EVP of Games at Rovio Entertainment.

This is a matter we take seriously. We want our games to be safe and fun for people of all ages. We strive to make parents aware of in-app costs and to use the safeguards the different mobile and payment platforms have.”