The real-time strategy game Brawl Stars is the next big thing from Supercell after Clash Royale and Clash of Clans. Four years after its launch, the hype surrounding the free game for mobile devices is unbridled among the young fan base, especially among nine to eleven year olds. It has been downloaded over 100 million times on Google Play. But online gaming has its pitfalls: in-app purchases, a questionable reward model and contact with strangers can cause problems. The security experts at ESET tell parents what they should pay attention to so that their gaming enjoyment is not spoiled.

Success can be bought

The online game itself is nothing new: Brawl Stars simply throws together classic and successful game modes and principles. It's not just the comic look, but also the short game rounds, the easy entry and the quick successes that make Brawl Stars so appealing to children. But in addition to the pure fun, this game is primarily about collecting characters (so-called brawlers) and upgrading them. However, until the brawler has unlocked the content he needs to advance, he has to invest a lot of time. It's easier to purchase the valuable objects via in-app purchase. Because the jump to the next level and the increase in reputation only comes when you have earned enough trophies, tokens and jewels.

This so-called pay-to-win principle, i.e. buying success, is often used in free apps. Last year, a seven-year-old took advantage of this and reduced his parents' credit card by 2,000 euros. Even if the financial consequences could be averted due to his underage, the child's age reveals another problem: even the youngest can download the game without any problems. For gaming apps like Brawl Stars, which appear exclusively online, there is currently no uniform testing procedure and therefore no regulated age rating. For example, on Google Play the age group is shown as 10 years old, in the Apple Play Store it is shown as starting at nine years old. Educational specialists only recommend the game for ages 14 and up.

Tempting incentives for children

Another uncertainty factor: Through the multiplayer mode, young gamers also come together with strangers. Since the games are not moderated, there are no limits to hate comments, insults or sexual harassment. The experts from Stiftung Warentest were also critical: In Brawl Stars and Clash Royale they are said to have found user groups that named themselves after porn websites. This suggests that the content is not checked particularly thoroughly by the manufacturer.

In addition, there are complex exchange and payment systems as well as a questionable reward model in which experts recognize similarities to gambling. In Brawl Stars, but also in other gaming apps, gamers can purchase loot boxes with the coins, jewels or real money they earn. This is nothing new, valuable items can also be purchased in other games. But the players don't know what's inside these boxes: everything from valuable items to Tinnef is there. On the one hand, this maintains the motivation to keep playing until the “right thing” comes along. On the other hand, it is all the more tempting to shorten this route through in-game purchases in order to get the desired content more quickly.  

Tips for parents:

  • Agree on usage times : The short rounds in Brawl Stars encourage kids to play quickly. The social pressure to win as a team should not be underestimated. Parents should specify clear usage times, for example in a media usage contract, for example how many laps are allowed per day.
  • Decide on in-app purchases: If parents don't want to ban in-app purchases completely, they should agree with their child how much of their pocket money they can spend on them, for example.
  • No payment methods stored: Parents should make sure that their credit card, for example, is not stored on the smartphone for in-app purchases.
  • Block in-app purchases on your child's smartphone: On iPhone and iPad, use the Screen Time/Restrictions and iTunes & App Store Purchases settings. Click on the “In-app purchases” tab and “Do not allow”. (Note: It is better to activate a “Screen Time Code” so that the child does not turn this function off themselves.) For Android devices, open the “Play Store” and use the three-line icon to open the “Settings” item. Under “User Controls,” go to “Require authentication for purchases” and click “For all Google Play purchases on this device.”
  • Set up third-party blocking: Valuables are also offered in the game by third-party providers. In return they ask for personal information or money. In many cases, what was promised does not reach the gamer. It is safer to request a “third-party block” from the mobile phone provider via email, in the online customer area or in the customer app. This means that third-party providers cannot use the mobile phone number to bill paid services.
  • Use the settings options in the game: For example, push notifications can be issued in the Settings area, and contact with strangers can be excluded using the chat function. Parents should teach children not to reveal personal information such as name, place of residence, hobbies, etc. You never know who is on the other end of the line.
  • Talk to the children: As parents, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the game and talk to the child about the risks. If you don't want to play yourself, you can watch the Let's Play videos on YouTube. This means parents can stay informed about game updates.

Source: SaferKidsOnline

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