Apple iTunes. (2011). Smurrfs Village. Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smurfs-village/id399648212?mt=8
We reported last week on how a kid playing with the Smurfs' Village iOS app racked up hundreds of dollars in charges, prompting a variety of responses regarding how Apple and parents should treat such apps. Now PocketGamer.biz is reporting that Apple has taken game publisher Capcom to task for making it so easy for kids to go on a Smurfberry-buying binge. The site also adds that Apple is looking into reducing the current 15-minute gap between purchases down to 5 minutes -- still plenty of time to do some serious damage, as a few commenters on our last post noted.
Capcom has written on the app's description that the ability to make these sorts of purchases quickly is a function of the iOS software and is not within its control.
When you download and launch the app, there is a pop-up that warns about this concern. It flashes off within a few seconds, though, to prompt you to turn on push notification for the app, but the alert does return. The screen featuring Smurfberries also warns that they will cost real money.
We won't know what Apple's true stance will be regarding this until we see an official statement and/or iOS update, but as always, we urge parents to be as cautious as possible with these sorts of apps.
[via AppleInsider]
Users unintentionally spend fortune on microtransaction purchases.
The latest update for Capcom's hit iOS title Smurf's Village will introduce a cap for microtransactions within the game.
This update will restrict the number of purchases that can be made in-game, with users limited to five purchases every 15 minutes.
According to Pocketgamer this has been implemented due to pressure from Apple who had received numerous complaints from users who had unintentionally spent a fortune thanks to microtransactions.
Prior to this Apple had enforced a system where users were asked to input their iTunes password before every purchase.
VideoGamer.com Analysis
It's a sad and strange day when a successful company has to remind consumers not to spend too much money.
However many of these purchases have been made by unwitting children with access to a parent's Visa. The lesson being: stop letting your kids into your bloody wallet.
Pro-G media. (2011). Capcom places DLC cap on Smurf's Village. Retreieved from http://www.videogamer.com/news/capcom_places_dlc_cap_on_smurfs_village.html
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