Hi there, I was wondering if someone could enlighten me on consumer rights regarding

piottras

Hi there,

I was wondering if someone could enlighten me on consumer rights regarding in-game (video game) purchases. With most things these days either in a shop or online you can try to get a refund or a cancellation if you have a good reason (or you're within the refund period). However, I'm not entirely sure where in-game purchases stand (i.e. spending money on in-game currency and then buying something faulty with the in-game cash that is the root of the problem).

Thanks a lot for help!

InsideInsurance

First of all, establish which legal jurisdiction covers the game. I'd guess most are one of the states in the US in which case your consumer rights will be tiny.

If it is the UK then my guess would be that it is considered a "service" under the law rather than goods. Services are treated differently in that, assuming as the T&Cs confirm it, your right to cancel ends as soon as the service commences and so statutory cancellation periods would be nil.

The final option, still assuming its under UK Law would be the sales of goods act possibly provide protection given you say it was defective? The problem is you bought in game currency, which worked, and used that to buy something else... I have no idea how SOGA applies if you are effectively "trading" for goods or using other none official currency for payment.