Key Highlight
- A key step in regulating the cryptocurrency gaming market, France proposes the Sorare law, which provides guidelines for NFTs and cryptocurrency-based monetization in the video game business.
- The Sorare law may have advantages, but there are obstacles to overcome while it is being reviewed by the Constitutional Council, including worries that it would favour cryptocurrency games over internet casinos.
- The Sorare law offers a viable framework for balancing innovation and consumer safety while influencing international crypto-gaming rules, and it constitutes a key milestone in the developing gaming sector.
In a significant shift signaling changing attitudes toward the crypto-gaming sector, the French National Assembly has officially ratified the Sorare law. This legislation by France stands as a pivotal component of the broader Digital Space Regulation Law (SREN), offering essential guidelines for the flourishing video game industry that incorporates Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrency-based monetization.
Implications for the Crypto-Gaming Industry
The “Jonum Regime” Defined
At the core of this legal framework lies the introduction of the term “Jonum Regime,” denoting games featuring monetizable digital assets. By adding this term to the legal lexicon, France aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation within its startup ecosystem and strengthening safeguards for users.This signifies the initial legal definition of “Jonum,” suggesting the emergence of a distinct regulatory framework for crypto games. Such a framework would differentiate them from traditional video games and conventional gambling activities.
Challenges on the Horizon
Nevertheless, the journey ahead for the Sorare law is not without its challenges. It currently awaits close scrutiny by the Constitutional Council, the body vested with the authority to either endorse or dismiss the legislation. Several deputies, potentially echoing the concerns of certain stakeholders, are hopeful for the latter outcome. Opponents of the law argue that it might unintentionally favor crypto games over online casinos. Such a scenario could potentially lead gambling platforms to pivot toward the growing play-to-earn and Web3 sectors, further blurring the lines between gaming and gambling.
Promising Prospects for the Jonum Regime
If the Jonum regime gains approval, it promises to create a favorable environment for France’s crypto-gaming industry. In the past, this sector grappled with the possibility of popular crypto games, such as Sorare, being labeled as gambling ventures due to specific regulatory criteria. Such categorization would have imposed significant tax implications.
Yet, with the potential introduction of this law, the regulatory responsibilities will shift to the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), the French National Gambling authority. Under their watchful eye, players will be required to declare their age when registering for a crypto game. While cashing out in-game earnings will demand identity verification, the initial registration process will be exempt from this requirement.
Influencer Restrictions and Protecting Younger Audiences
Another notable facet of the Jonum regime concerns its stance on promotional activities. The law clearly restricts the use of influencers to promote Web3 games, especially on digital platforms lacking mechanisms to prevent minors from accessing them. This measure underscores the commitment to shielding younger audiences from potential pitfalls in the rapidly evolving digital gaming landscape.
Summary
The Sorare law represents a significant step in acknowledging the ever-evolving gaming industry, intricately intertwined with the complexities of cryptocurrency and NFTs. As nations worldwide grapple with the challenge of regulating these hybrid domains, France’s initiative offers a potential model for balancing technological innovation with consumer protection. The law’s ultimate fate, whether embraced or rejected by the Constitutional Council, will undoubtedly set a precedent, influencing the future course of crypto-gaming regulations on a global scale.
Featured Image By: NFT Now.com
Notice
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is the opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advice from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above-mentioned tokens or receive any incentive from any company.