In an effort to curb excessive spending and promote responsible gaming, NetEase Games is introducing facial recognition technology within its casual game Eggy Party. The move aligns with Chinese anti-addiction laws and aims to prevent young users from impersonating adults to make in-app purchases.
In a significant step towards promoting responsible gaming and curbing excessive spending, NetEase Games is introducing facial recognition technology within its popular casual game, Eggy Party. The move follows the implementation of similar measures for users over the age of 70 and aligns with China's strict anti-addiction laws.
On April 29th, 2024, NetEase Games announced its Responsible Payment Initiative, which aims to limit spending within Eggy Party. The initiative introduces the following measures:
* Players who spend over RMB 198 (approximately $27) will receive a responsible payment reminder, highlighting their spending activity.
* Users who exceed RMB 328 ($45) in purchases within a 24-hour period will be restricted from making further purchases until they undergo facial recognition verification.
Facial recognition verification is a robust security measure that requires users to scan their face using their smartphone's camera. This technology is supported by most app stores, including the App Store and Google Play. However, for users who downloaded Eggy Party from the Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, or Xiaomi stores in China, a daily spending limit of RMB 328 will be imposed until facial recognition support is implemented.
NetEase Games has also implemented lower daily spending caps for accounts deemed high risk. This assessment considers factors such as spending patterns, account activity, and user behavior. By identifying and restricting high-risk accounts, NetEase aims to prevent impulsive or excessive spending.
The implementation of facial recognition technology not only addresses excessive spending but also combats youth impersonation. In the past, young users have exploited loopholes to impersonate adults, bypassing age restrictions and making in-app purchases. By requiring facial recognition during game registration for users over the age of 70, NetEase effectively prevents this practice.
Eggy Party is a highly engaging casual party royale game that has gained immense popularity among gamers. Players embody adorable eggs competing in various obstacle courses and arenas. The game boasts a wide array of mini-games and unlockable abilities, along with social features such as Eggy Town, where users can interact with others, participate in concerts and soccer matches, and simply relax.
NetEase Games' adoption of facial recognition technology in Eggy Party is a commendable step towards promoting responsible gaming and combating excessive spending. By limiting purchases, requiring verification, and preventing youth impersonation, the company is setting a positive example for the industry. The implementation of facial recognition aligns with Chinese anti-addiction laws and demonstrates NetEase's commitment to fostering a healthy and responsible gaming environment for its players.
