As the company faces up to an investigation into its practices by Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency, so GREE has unveiled an intention to self-police its social games network.
The firm says it is committed to delivering a "worry-free" environment for social gamers, with The Wall Street Journal reporting a number of initiatives are to be set in motion to ensure games on its network play by the rules.
Leading the line on this score, it's claimed, will be the formation of an internal User Environment Improvement Committee.
Committed to a committee
As billed, the committee will look to "discuss and plan measures for improving services, promoting proper use of social games, while GREE has also formed an advisory board designed to improve the service with consultants.
The move comes after the Consumer Affairs Agency signalled its intent to put GREE, its rival DeNA, and four other social gaming specialists under the microscope following suggestions users have been amassing extortionate bills on games on their respective networks.
Of particular interest to the agency is the 'complete gacha' mechanism, where players are charged small sums for virtual items that can be converted into a rare item when combined.
In one case, a user built up a bill of ¥4 million (around $50,000).
Steadying the ship
Clamping down on such activities could hit GREE's net income by 18 percent, according to analysts.
It's little wonder, then, that the unveiling of the firm's new committee forms a prominent part of GREE's Q3 2012 outlook, with commentators suggesting the company is keen to show investors that it's taking action.
Adding to the initiatives is a move to work with operators to deliver guidelines for how carriers handle social games, as well as an increase in monitoring on real-money trading within its games a practice already prohibited by the firm.
[source: Gamasutra]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Related Articles
Top Stories
News
May 31st, 2024
Week in Views - Squad Busters goes global, broken app stores, and Hill Climb Racing gets the LEGO treatment
News
May 31st, 2024
Mobile Movers: All the latest appointments and job moves from around the industry
Events
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
Gotland Game Conference 2024 | Nordic | Jun 3rd |
Games Mental Health Summit 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Dev Play Conference 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Tribeca Games Festival 2024 | North America | Jun 5th |