Social games association launch best practice principles

The International Social Gaming Association (ISGA), a body that emerged following a merger between The Social Gaming Association (SGA) and the International Social Games Coalition (ISGC) in September , has developed a set of best practice principles for the social games industry.

The set of best practice principles covers five areas which are intended to ensure that games and their providers:

– Practice law and regulatory compliance;

– Are transparent in their functionality;

– Conduct responsible purchase and payment policies;

– Provide appropriate player privacy management; and

– Use appropriate advertising models.

Luc Delany, chief executive officer of the ISGA, said: “The social games industry is thriving and fast growing – over 750 million people play social games worldwide, and social games companies are driving economic growth. The launch of our best practice principles reflects our industry’s need to ensure games are developed and operated in a responsible way at a time when the way people play and pay for games is changing.”

Additionally, the ISGA has commissioned research into the evolution, use and impact of social games. The research results aim to give a better understanding of social gaming from both business and the consumer’s point of view.

Independent research firm Harvest Strategy, led by Dr. Rohan Miller, will target how social games are changing the ways consumers play and pay for games.

The findings are expected to be released early 2014.