Pixel P&L: Chief Gaming Officer Wanted, EU Targets Greedy Tactics, and A Queen’s Wii Addiction

iQOO is on the lookout for its next Chief Gaming Officer, the European Commission is cracking down on exploitative microtransaction practices, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows is off to a strong start. All that and more inside today’s edition of Pixel P&L.

/ iQOO Seeks Chief Gaming Officer

Smartphone maker iQOO has announced a search for its next Chief Gaming Officer (CGO), a role designed to connect with India's growing esports community and contribute to the development of the brand’s gaming-focused smartphones. The selected candidate will receive ₹10 lakh and gain access to iQOO’s latest devices. The CGO will also represent the company at major gaming events.

The position is open to individuals aged 18-25, with applications available on iQOO’s official website until March 30. The initiative follows a previous CGO campaign that reportedly drew strong engagement from the gaming community.

Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO, said the company revived the role after receiving significant interest. “We knew we had to bring it back,” Marya said, emphasizing iQOO’s intent to provide young gaming enthusiasts with a platform to engage with the esports industry and contribute to the future of mobile gaming in India.

EU Cracks Down on Exploitative In-Game Purchases

The European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) are taking steps to curb exploitative in-game spending practices, particularly those targeting children. The move follows enforcement action against Star Stable Entertainment AB, the developer behind Star Stable Online, after complaints from the Swedish Consumers’ Association.

Authorities criticized the company for employing pressure tactics, unclear pricing, and failing to ensure influencers disclosed paid partnerships. The developer now has one month to address these concerns.

The Commission also introduced new principles promoting clear pricing, transparency, and protections for vulnerable consumers. The guidelines aim to curb manipulative tactics that encourage excessive spending, particularly among young players. It also plans to engage gaming companies in a workshop to promote responsible practices. Should developers fail to comply, regulators have warned of further action to enforce EU consumer protection laws. The initiative underscores growing concerns about exploitative monetization in digital gaming.

Quick Bytes

'Assassin's Creed Shadows' Surpasses Two Million Players

Ubisoft announced Assassin's Creed Shadows has surpassed two million players, outpacing the launches of Assassin's Creed Origins and Odyssey. The milestone follows the game's debut on March 20 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Amazon Luna.

Netflix Games Chief: ‘We’re Not Yet the Netflix of Games’

Netflix Games president Alain Tascan admitted the company has yet to achieve its goal of becoming “the Netflix of games.” Speaking at GDC 2025, Tascan said Netflix is focused on scaling its gaming business with more narrative, party, and IP-based titles, alongside “unexpected” releases later this year.

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🛒 Buy: Azul board game is a must-have if you're into chill, beautiful tile-drafting gameplay. Perfect for cozy board game nights with friends or family.

💡Did You Know

Did you know Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly a fan of the Nintendo Wii? In 2008, a UK tabloid claimed the monarch became “hooked” on the console after watching Prince William play with his Christmas gift from Kate Middleton. The Queen, then 81, was said to have impressive hand-eye coordination, earning praise for her Wii Bowling skills. Her unexpected gaming hobby even inspired a now-defunct publisher to send her a gold-plated Wii as part of a marketing stunt. 

📜 Quote of the Day

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