London, England – Video game studios are reevaluating key features in their games due to new regulations introduced by the UK Online Safety Act (OSA), according to insights from a prominent law firm specializing in media and technology.
In a conversation shared on September 11, 2025, Isabel Davies, a senior associate at Wiggin LLP, discussed the implications of the OSA on gaming companies. The act, which went into effect in July 2025, establishes a regulatory framework aimed at protecting users—especially children—from harmful content, encompassing both legal and illegal material. It imposes stringent requirements on platforms that engage users in any form of interaction, such as chat services or content sharing.
The regulations mandate that gaming companies operating in the UK conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards in user interactions. Companies must then implement necessary safety measures to achieve compliance with the OSA. As a result, many studios now find themselves reconsidering the inclusion of interactive features in their games.
Davies noted that some studios are opting to prioritize core game mechanics and monetization strategies before launching social functions like chat or clan features. This approach allows them to focus on the fundamental gameplay experience initially. “It’s a matter of ensuring the game runs smoothly before adding complex community features,” she explained.
Conversely, Davies indicated that certain game developers view community engagement as integral to their titles, making it challenging to forgo user-to-user services altogether. “Some games are inherently built around social interactions,” she remarked, highlighting the unavoidable nature of these features in many cases.
A significant point raised by Davies is the lack of exemptions for small businesses under the OSA. All companies, regardless of size, face the same regulatory demands. “The compliance burden remains the same whether you are a global leader in the gaming industry or a nascent studio,” she stated. “Every user-focused platform must complete the mandated risk assessments and safety duties.”
While Davies anticipates that compliance will become more manageable over time, she acknowledged the current difficulties many developers are encountering. “This summer has proven challenging for several companies as they navigate these complexities,” she added.
Andrew Wailes, CEO of PlaySafe ID, echoed similar sentiments earlier in July 2025, shortly after the OSA took effect. He highlighted widespread uncertainty throughout the gaming sector regarding the new regulations, particularly for small to mid-sized businesses. Wailes noted that some companies have taken drastic measures, such as restricting access to their platforms for UK users, due to the complexities of compliance.
“The effort required to align with the OSA has often been underestimated,” he said, signaling that many developers are grappling with the legislative demands as they strive to provide safe online environments for users.
The evolving landscape of the gaming industry reflects broader accountability measures impacting online services across the UK, emphasizing the need for rigorous safety protocols as games grow increasingly interactive.
This article was automatically written by Open AI, and the people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate. Any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by writing an email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.