The Korean Game Users Association (KGUA) has expressed strong support for the recently passed amendment to the Game Industry Promotion Act, approved during a National Assembly plenary session on December 31. The association lauded the legislation as a landmark step toward safeguarding the rights of gamers and fostering transparency in the gaming industry.
The amendment, sponsored by lawmakers Kim Seung Su, Lee Gi Heon, and Kang Yoo Jeong, was consolidated into a single proposal before being submitted to the plenary session. With 277 out of 288 lawmakers voting in favor, the amendment passed with a 98.23% approval rate, underscoring its broad political support.
Key provisions of the amendment include mandatory disclosure of probability-based item rates, punitive damages of up to three times the losses incurred in cases of intentional fraud, and a reversal of the burden of proof, requiring game companies to prove the absence of negligence or intent in disputes. These measures are designed to protect users from financial harm caused by undisclosed or false information about in-game item probabilities.
The KGUA has been a vocal advocate for these changes, having proposed similar measures to the 22nd National Assembly in April 2024. The association also offered advisory input during the government’s legislative drafting process and emphasized the importance of the amendment’s passage during meetings with lawmakers, including a visit to Kim Seung Su's office in October.
KGUA President Lee Cheol Woo, a game industry attorney who led a landmark Supreme Court ruling on game company accountability in November 2024, hailed the amendment as a milestone. He stated, “This amendment is pivotal in protecting the rights of game users and enhancing trust, a foundational element for the gaming industry. It sets a precedent for creating a transparent and ethical gaming culture.” However, Lee noted the absence of a minimum standard for damages, as initially proposed by Kang Yoo Jeong, as a missed opportunity.
Lee also clarified the scope of the new law, which will take effect six months after its promulgation. He emphasized that the punitive damages provisions would apply only to deliberate or negligent actions by game companies related to probability-based item manipulation or misinformation. Cases involving human error or system bugs would not fall under the law’s purview. “Given the progress domestic game companies have made in adhering to probability disclosure requirements, we anticipate relatively few applications of the punitive damages clause after implementation,” he added.
The KGUA expects the amendment to serve as a critical step in rectifying past issues in the gaming industry while providing a framework for fairer and more transparent practices. The association extended its gratitude to lawmakers and government officials who contributed to the legislation’s successful passage.
Sayart / Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com
