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Video Games: Consumer Law
03 November 2025
Lead MP
Ben Goldsborough
South Norfolk
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
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Word Count: 9732
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Ben Goldsborough raised concerns about video games: consumer law in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Gamers should be informed if a game is likely to go offline and provided with offline modes where possible. Clear notice periods for closures and appropriate refunds should also be ensured.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate addresses the concerns of nearly 190,000 petition signatories regarding consumer law and videogames. It highlights issues such as game shut-downs without clear notice, loss of investment when a game shuts down, and the cultural impact on communities and heritage.
Mentions Rockstar Leeds as the main developer for “Grand Theft Auto VI” and suggests private servers can mitigate built-in obsolescence in games like “Assassin’s Creed”.
Ben Goldsborough
Lab
Bury South
Thanks all Members who took part in the debate and mentions the representation of every part of the UK, highlighting the benefits to economy and culture.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Acknowledged the work of Ninja Theory in Cambridge, highlighting how game developers can contribute to real social purpose through their work. Spoke about the wider benefits of gaming.
Henry Tufnell
Lab
Mid and South Pembrokeshire
The UK is one of the largest video game markets in the world, with sales reaching nearly £4.3 billion in 2024. The Welsh Labour Government supports creatives across the country through Creative Wales, which includes independent game developers based in Lawrenny. Consumers are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if publishers fail to make clear information about support and potential server shutdowns available at the point of sale. Supports the view that video games have a significant cultural heritage and calls for better protection of digital works after commercial support ends. Emphasised the importance of the creative landscape and questioned ownership and consumer rights.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Video games have cultural relevance today that was perhaps not seen in previous generations, with one in six adults regularly playing video games. The UK has the largest video games industry in Europe and could reach £8 billion by 2027. Suggested that games companies should be clear with consumers about when their games might become unplayable. Questioned the effectiveness of current consumer protection laws and asked for an assessment on how many consumers have achieved compensation via existing routes.
Stratford-on-Avon
Highlighted the issue of residents finding their games unplayable when online support ends or ownership is limited by licence terms and conditions, suggesting that existing consumer protections should keep pace with these changes. The MP agrees with the lead MP and emphasizes the need for transparency in digital game purchases, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they are paying for at the point of purchase.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Argues that video games are about consumer law and ownership rights, demanding that publishers should not deliberately disable purchased game copies at end of support.
Matt Turmaine
Lab
Watford
Agrees with the cultural identity of video games and questions whether one can expect to revisit a concert years later, similar to reviving a game's online component.
Pam Cox
Lab
Colchester
Highlights Colchester's importance in the gaming industry and its cultural significance, stressing the need to respect digital ownership rights.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
The issue is what happens when a developer goes bust, shuts down or merges. It is not clear who bears the responsibility of hosting or running servers for online gaming. As an example, Electronic Arts was recently acquired in a £55 billion deal that will take it off the stock market and into private equity. Setting out some clear principles that gamers can expect would be a welcome first step. Asked about the potential impact of equity companies buying up video game publishers, which could hinder market dynamics and consumer access to profitable titles.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Video games are a vital part of modern British culture. Consumers should be informed about whether a game requires online connectivity, relies on servers or is time-limited. There is an additional concern regarding the creativity behind games and the disabling of consoles when counterfeit games are used.
Warinder Juss
Lab
Wolverhampton West
Emphasized the need for regulation to ensure that gamers own a video game and can play it whenever they want, without being affected by new releases from companies.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Suggested a simple amendment to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to ensure developers allow purchasers to continue receiving online support if required. It is simply a matter of justice that if someone has paid for a product, whether physical or digital, they should be able to use it for as long as they like. The fact that a company goes bust should not affect consumer rights.
Government Response
Stephanie Peacock
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
Acknowledged the importance of the video games sector to the UK economy and the concerns raised by petitioners. Stated that there are no plans to amend existing consumer law on disabling video games but mentioned the power under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 to add or remove descriptions of unfair commercial practices if evidence suggests it is necessary. Acknowledged the economic contribution of gaming, committed £30 million investment through their games growth package, highlighted concerns about maintaining online services and licensing terms, clarified legal requirements under UK legislation, and addressed points made by multiple Members regarding consumer law and ownership. Acknowledges the concerns raised regarding consumer rights in video game purchases and pledges to monitor the situation. Promises to engage with relevant organisations such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to develop guidance ensuring that information provided to consumers accurately reflects existing protections under UK law.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.