Are free games really free for kids?
Many free games make money from in-app purchases such as gems, skins and mystery boxes. "Free" offers can be bait to get a password or a parent's card, and mystery boxes hide what's inside so players keep paying. Kids should never type a password to get free things, and should only buy together with a parent.
▶ Try it
Why it matters
"Free gems!" sounds great, but there's often a trick behind it. You learn to spot "free" traps, keep your password safe and see why mystery boxes keep you paying.
In 5 minutes you'll be able to
- "Free" offers often want your password or money.
- Mystery boxes are made to keep you paying.
- Only buy things together with your parents.
What you'll practise
Find the trick
This is an offer in the game shop. Tap all the tricks.
Super Shop
1000 FREE gems! 💎
Only 2 minutes left!
Enter your password and your parents' card.
Have fun playing!Shop quiz
What's going on here?
A mystery box in the game costs $1. What's inside?
- Always something great!
- You don't know before you buy. (Answer)
A chat friend says: "Give me your password and I'll give you skins."
- I don't give it, and I tell my parents. (Answer)
- Okay, skins are cool!
You want to buy something in a game. What do you do?
- I ask my parents first. (Answer)
- I secretly use Mum's phone.
Play safely
Make the game safe. Set everything correctly and press "Check".
- Purchases only with parents' permission
- Save parents' card in the game
- Accept free offers from strangers
- Password only for me and my parents
Remember
Free stuff never needs your password. Buy things only together with a grown-up.
Never type in your password to get something for free.
Key facts
- In 2023, the US Federal Trade Commission finalised an order making the maker of a hugely popular game pay $245 million in refunds. The FTC said confusing buttons tricked players into unwanted purchases and let children buy items without a parent's consent. · Source: US Federal Trade Commission, dark patterns settlement order, 2023
- In 2018, Belgium's Gaming Commission ruled that paid loot boxes in video games count as gambling, which is illegal there without a licence. · Source: Belgian Gaming Commission, loot box research report, 2018
- Most phones, tablets and consoles have a setting that makes every purchase need a parent's approval.
- "Free gems" or "free skins" offers that ask for a login are a common way to steal game accounts.
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Questions people ask
What are in-game purchases?
In-game purchases are things you buy with real money inside a game, such as coins, gems, skins, extra levels or mystery boxes. Many free games earn their money this way.
What is a loot box?
A loot box, or mystery box, is a paid prize box in a game where you don't know what you'll get until you open it. Because the prize is random, players often keep buying to get the item they want.
How can parents stop kids making in-game purchases?
Turn on the device or console setting that asks a parent to approve every purchase, don't save a card in the game, and agree on a family rule about spending.
Are free gem and skin generators real?
No. Sites or messages that promise free gems or skins usually want a password, a card number or personal details. Never type your login to get something for free.
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