Preparations for Regulation in the Game Industry: What Will Change?

Critical Regulations are Coming for the Gaming Industry

The President of the Turkey Game Developers Association (TOGED), Ali Erkin, answered questions about the preparations for regulations focused on the gaming industry in an interview with AA. Erkin emphasized that these long-discussed regulations could have significant effects on the sector.

Erkin noted that the discussions in the public domain and the information circulating on social media have created concerns among players. "This issue is not new; it has been on the agenda for a long time. However, in the last two years, the draft works have taken a more concrete form with the demands of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Nevertheless, this text has not yet been finalized," he said.

Are Bans Coming?

Addressing concerns that the draft may contain 'major bans,' Erkin explained that the current draft focuses on the social media usage of individuals under 15 years old, and that the regulations regarding games contain fewer items. He also clarified that the sudden closure of gaming platforms is not intended; instead, a gradual process is envisioned.

The Need for Special Regulation

Erkin stated that there is currently no special regulation for digital games, and this situation is limited to Law No. 5651. "Due to this structure, problems such as access barriers can arise. Creating a specific framework for games will solve this issue," he said.

How Will the Implementation Process Work?

Erkin highlighted the incorrect public perception that penalties will be immediately applied, stating, "The text is still in the draft stage. Even if the law is passed, a regulation will need to be prepared to determine the details of implementation." Additionally, he anticipates that some platforms with low user counts will be excluded from the scope.

Age Rating and Appointment of Representatives

Erkin said that the age rating and parental control practices included in the draft have been present in the sector for a long time. "However, the implementation must be compatible with technical realities," he noted, highlighting the importance of appointing representatives in Turkey for faster resolution of issues.

The Status of Roblox and Other Platforms

Erkin expressed that legal gaps need to be closed for platforms like Roblox to be reopened. "After the law comes into effect, access will be provided for compliant platforms," he said.

Finally, Erkin stated that it would be wrong to make a definitive judgment without seeing the entire draft. He expressed that the gaming industry, as one of Turkey's growing industries, should approach the regulations with caution.