Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, has launched a COPPA and GDPRkids™-certified Parental Controls solution to enhance young gamer safety. This feature provides game developers with tools to safeguard minors and enables parents to control digital spending, creating a secure and transparent gaming environment for families.

The Need for Parental Controls in Direct-to-Consumer Gaming

• Shift to Direct-to-Consumer Models

  • As game developers expand beyond traditional platforms to direct-to-consumer models like web shops, they encounter increased regulatory responsibilities.
  • Unlike platforms that manage compliance, direct sales require developers to address regulations independently, especially around children's privacy and safety.

• Regulatory Pressure and Compliance Needs

  • Recent FTC actions have underscored the importance of compliance with laws like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
  • Game developers need robust tools to meet standards and create safer environments for younger players.

Key Features of Xsolla Parental Controls

1. Age Gating

   • The feature allows accurate user age verification, ensuring minors are protected and reducing the risk of unauthorized transactions.

2. Guardian Consent & Real-Time Notifications

   • Guardians receive immediate alerts through email or SMS for any transaction initiated by minors, with options to approve or reject in real time.

3. Comprehensive Transaction History

   • Parents have access to a detailed transaction history within their Xsolla account, providing transparency and an easy way to monitor spending.

4. Spending Limits

   • Parents can set spending limits tailored to their child’s needs, adding a layer of financial control over in-game purchases.

Insights from Xsolla’s Leadership
Anton Zelenin, Chief Product Officer, Fintech at Xsolla, shared, “Creating a safe gaming environment is essential. Our COPPA-certified Parental Controls empower families by ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance for in-game transactions. We are committed to helping developers meet global requirements while providing peace of mind for parents.”

Xsolla’s Parental Controls address the growing need for secure and compliant gaming experiences for young players. This feature empowers game developers to adhere to global privacy regulations while enabling parents to manage and monitor digital transactions, fostering a safer gaming landscape for families worldwide.