Regulatory Crossroads: A Comparative Study of European and Chinese Approaches to the Videogame Industry

This dissertation examines the evolving regulatory frameworks governing the video game sectors in Europe and China, aiming to identify their distinct strategies for user protection, microtransactions, and gaming addiction. The study is structured into four main sections. The first section provides a comparative analysis of the video game markets in Europe and China, emphasizing their economic significance, cultural influence, and structural differences. It contrasts Europe’s fragmented regulatory landscape—shaped by national policies and diverse cultural contexts—with China’s centralized governance model, which prioritizes social control and public welfare. The second section explores the widespread use of microtransactions, loot boxes, and gambling mechanics in the gaming industry. It evaluates their impact on user behavior, addiction, and spending patterns, while contrasting Europe’s diverse regulatory responses with China’s stringent and consistently enforced restrictions. The third section focuses on the translation of seven legal documents from Chinese to Italian, showcasing the key features of China’s regulatory measures aimed at addressing exploitative monetization practices and gaming addiction. Finally, the fourth section assesses the effectiveness of the legal frameworks in Europe and China in protecting consumer interests. While Europe’s decentralized approach faces challenges in harmonizing policies across member states, China’s centralized system has implemented comprehensive measures to combat gaming addiction and exploitative practices, offering potential insights for regulatory advancements in Europe.