According to a law firm, the Online Safety Act is prompting some studios to reconsider certain features within their games

Game developers in the UK are adjusting certain in-game elements in response to the regulations introduced by the UK's Online Safety Act, according to insights from a leading law firm.

On September 11, 2025, Isabel Davies, a senior associate at Wiggin, a prominent law firm specializing in media and technology, discussed the impact of these new regulations in an interview with The Game Business.

Established in July 2025, the OSA serves as a new legal framework aimed at safeguarding adults and especially children from both legal and illegal "harmful content" by enforcing laws to ensure safer services for UK users, with greater accountability and transparency.

This affects platforms with user-interaction features, requiring video game companies that offer chat or content-sharing capabilities to conduct a risk assessment and fulfill mandated safety duties to comply with the OSA.

Davies mentioned that several studios are re-evaluating features that encourage player interaction or may delay these features until after launch due to the OSA requirements.

Davies noted studios saying, "let's focus on the primary game monetization loop and ensure gameplay is solid before investing in additional elements like clan or chat functions."

However, Davies added, "For some companies, the social component is integral to their games, making interaction features essential."

Some games, as Davies pointed out, are fundamentally built around this social component.

She further highlighted that the OSA's requirements can surprise many due to the absence of any exception for smaller companies.

"Whether you're a major platform or a small startup, the same compliance obligations apply," she explained. "These demands will become less burdensome as companies gain experience with them. However, many have found this summer challenging."

This sentiment was shared by Andrew Wailes, CEO and founder of PlaySafe ID, during a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz in July 2025.

Wailes noted, "There's significant uncertainty regarding the OSA across the gaming sector and beyond."

He observed that several small to mid-sized enterprises, particularly those operating forums and community platforms, have opted to restrict access from the UK.

"The challenge of achieving OSA compliance has been underestimated by many," Wailes concluded.