As a passionate gamer, I have personally spent hundreds of dollars on micro-transactions. However, my concern is not only for myself but for all and for the younger players who are not yet old enough to own a credit/debit card. These children spend thousands of dollars each year on these transactions, which is deeply troubling. It's time we put an end to this exploitation. The gaming industry has seen a significant rise in the use of micro-transactions, with companies earning billions annually from this practice (source: SuperData Research). But that is not all, we as gamers are being picked clean in multiple aspects and it’s time we changed it.

     So we propose 12 changes:

1) Game developers should only be allowed to remaster or remake past video games once per decade. This would ensure that they focus more on creating new content rather than capitalizing on nostalgia.

2) Micro-transactions should be banned in games accessible to anyone under the age of 18 or at very least barred from spending any money at all. A study by the UK Gambling Commission in 2018 found that 31% of children aged 11-16 have paid money or used their parents' money for loot boxes (source: UK Gambling Commission).

3) Developers releasing M-rated games should enforce these age ratings strictly or face large fines. Inappropriate content can have harmful effects on young minds and it's crucial that we protect them.

4) Game developers must release games as finished products rather than broken ones intended to be expanded upon over years with additional costs. This practice is deceptive and unfair to consumers who expect a complete product upon purchase.

5) Game developers should be prohibited from pushing global agendas through their games. Games should be neutral platforms for entertainment and skill development, not tools for propaganda.

6) All games must be made disability-compatible. According to The AbleGamers Charity, there are 33 million gamers with disabilities in America alone (source: The AbleGamers Charity). These individuals deserve to enjoy gaming as much as anyone else and should not be limited by traditional means.

7) Major companies like Microsoft and Sony need to allow digital game returns and refunds for additional paid content such as DLCs within 24 hours after purchase - regardless if they have been played or not. This is crucial because often times these products are not as advertised which leads to disappointment among consumers.

     The gaming industry has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and connectivity among players through the introduction of cross-play. This feature allows gamers from different platforms to interact and compete, fostering a more unified gaming community. However, this advancement has also opened up avenues for modders, particularly on PC platforms, who can disrupt the gaming experience.

Modding is a prevalent issue in the gaming world with approximately 62% of online multiplayer games experiencing some form of cheating or hacking (source: Anti-Cheat Software Report). These disruptions often come from PC modders who exploit game vulnerabilities not present on console systems.

     Furthermore, it's not just about the unfair advantage; it's also about the integrity of gaming. Many PC gamers exploit mods that they can download online for free or purchased to disrupt multiplayer games and use glitches only obtainable by mouse and keyboard. This kind of behavior undermines the spirit of fair play and enjoyment that should be at the heart of every gaming experience.

8) The most notable example is Steam and the Epic Games store- both a digital distribution service known for its extensive library of games and active user community - where these issues are prevalent. But it's not just Steam and the Epic Games store; all companies that produce games or distributes them need to address this issue. 

9)We believe that while cross-play is beneficial for connecting gamers across different platforms, it should not compromise the integrity and enjoyment of the game. Therefore, we call upon all gaming companies to provide an option for players to disable cross-play specifically for PC users when modding becomes disruptive.

Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) has become a standard feature in many multiplayer games, often to the detriment of player enjoyment. SBMM is designed to match players with others of similar skill level, but it can often lead to frustrating experiences for both high and low-skill players. High-skill players may find games overly challenging and stressful, while low-skill players may feel they are not given a fair chance to improve. Moreover, SBMM can discourage social play as it prioritizes skill over connection quality or friend groups.

A study by Electronic Entertainment Design and Research found that 72% of gamers prefer playing with friends rather than being matched based on skill level (source: EEDAR report). This shows a clear preference for social interaction over competitive balance in gaming communities.

10) We propose that game developers either remove SBMM from their multiplayer games or provide players with the option to disable it themselves. This would allow individuals to tailor their gaming experience more closely to their preferences, enhancing enjoyment and promoting continued engagement with these games.

The video game industry is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies emerging every year. However, some companies, like Bethesda, continue to use outdated development methods and fail to keep up with the current trends in gaming technology. This not only limits the potential of their games but also hinders the overall growth of the industry. According to Newzoo's Global Games Market Report 2020, there are over 2.7 billion gamers worldwide who deserve better and more innovative gaming experiences. We believe that as consumers who contribute significantly to these profits - $159.3 billion globally in 2020 according to Newzoo's Global Games Market Report - we deserve games that are developed using state-of-the-art technology and reflect the advancements of our time.

11) It's time for game developers, such as Bethesda and all others, to stop clinging onto outdated methods of game development and embrace the latest technology. As consumers, we invest billions of dollars into these companies and their products. We deserve games that reflect this investment and utilize state-of-the-art technology for an enhanced gaming experience. By not keeping up with current technological advancements in game mechanics, these companies are doing a disservice to their loyal customer base. Let's urge these developers to prioritize innovation and provide us with the high-quality gaming experiences we deserve.

Video games are a source of entertainment, a way to escape reality and immerse ourselves in different worlds. However, the increasing prevalence of advertisements within these games is disrupting this experience. Even more so that game developers are trying to make them appear while playing games. Many gaming developers have started incorporating ads into their games, often interrupting gameplay and detracting from the overall enjoyment. According to a study by Interpret LLC, 70% of gamers feel that in-game advertising is intrusive (Interpret LLC, 2020). This not only affects the user experience but also raises questions about consumer rights and privacy. According to a report by eMarketer, in-game advertising is expected to reach $3.25 billion by 2025 (eMarketer, 2021). This figure indicates a growing trend among gaming companies towards monetizing their products through advertisements.

12)We believe that video games should be an ad-free space where players can enjoy without any interruptions or distractions on any screen of gaming. Therefore, we urge regulatory bodies to implement rules prohibiting gaming developer companies from including advertisements within their games.

It's time we demand fairness in our gaming experiences while protecting players from exploitative practices. This is our call for fairness and integrity in cross-platform gaming. This is us standing up against the distribution of unfinished games and standing together and making change for the thing we love, Gaming. By signing this petition, you are supporting a more balanced and enjoyable gaming environment for all players and that you agree our gaming experiences should be ad-free! Please sign this petition to urge regulators to implement these changes in the gaming industry and let's change the gaming world together!