FTC Rule Aims to Address Video Game Review Bombing
Video game companies may need to take action against video game review bombing in response to new regulations set forth by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The new ruling targets fraudulent online reviews and testimonials, with review bombing potentially falling into the category of fake reviews outlined by the FTC.
How the new FTC rule might curb video game review bombing
DualShockers notes that FTC chair Lina Khan has listed six prohibited practices that could result in consequences for companies. While game review bombings are typically carried out by players on platforms like Valve’s Steam and Metacritic, these actions could be considered fake reviews and platforms hosting them may be held accountable.
The FTC defines fake reviews as those created by individuals who have not actually used the product in question. Companies are prohibited from purchasing or providing incentives for both positive and negative reviews, and cannot publish reviews from individuals affiliated with the business, such as employees, without disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.
One notable aspect of the new rule is its focus on any entity, whether a company or an individual, who engages in the buying or selling of fake indicators of social media influence, like followers, to sway others’ opinions.
While the FTC regulations primarily impact businesses, rather than individuals expressing opinions on social media, companies like Valve and Metacritic, which host fake reviews, may need to address the issue of review bombing due to its detrimental effects on developers. The outcome of this situation remains to be seen.