New proposals are being put forward by EU officials, that could see customers purchasing buggy games being made entitled to refunds, should they want them. This will apparently see games falling in line with other products.

Games will be required to adhere to "fair commercial conditions", if the new proposals are passed.

Games will require a two-year guarantee if they fall under the EU Sales and Guarantees Directive, although there is resistance in some quarters; trade body TIGA, for example.

"They have to be careful not to stifle new ideas," boss Richard Wilson said to the BBC.

"Consumers need good quality products - that is only reasonable - but if the legislation is too heavy-handed it could make publishers and developers very cautious."

By Luke Guttridge