The scam with the passport

Battle Pass or Season Pass: What parents need to know about the payment model designed to bind young people to games in the long term.

Today, the question is often no longer «Can I buy the game?», but «Can I get money for a Battle Pass?». Many manufacturers of PC or mobile games offer their games for free and earn their money with passes: this is usually called a Season Pass or Battle Pass. But it's basically always the same thing: time-limited access to additional rewards and content or easier access to the same. Battle passes are designed to bind players to the game permanently.
Rewards are unlocked with every level completed. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to have to invest 100 hours or more to get all the rewards during a season. Conflicts between children and parents are practically inevitable. In the game itself, everything, including the Battle Pass, is bought with in-game money (gold, coins, V-Bucks and so on). This play money in turn has to be bought with real money - usually with a credit card.
From an educational point of view, there are many arguments against such a model: the pressure to get the most out of the Battle Pass, sophisticated marketing measures and often very opaque real money costs encourage players to play often and for a long time.

Make agreements with your child

Nevertheless, I think it's important not to simply say no when a child asks for a Battle Pass. Take a look at the offers together with your child. Discuss what you can get for how much (real!) money and - very importantly - only pull out the credit card if there is agreement on jointly agreed rules: How often and when can you play? Perhaps the child could also use their pocket money for the Battle Pass? This gives the purchase added value.
As a general rule, you should never give your child access to real money transactions, but always buy the game money yourself. In other words: Credit card details do not belong in the hands of children. If your son or daughter is not present when the purchase is made, keep the access data secret at all times.
On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life. swisscom.ch/medienstark