Gree = Not Free
Japanese mobile phone game service Gree has stopped airing commercials that claim its games are “free” after consumer groups pointed out that most games end up costing money:
Most of the games offered online by the Tokyo-based firm can be played for free, excluding data charges, at the early stages, but users must purchase weapons or other items if they want to advance.
The Kansai Consumers Support Organization has requested GREE stop using the words “free of charge” in commercials because it violates the truth-in-advertising law. In response to the group’s request, GREE has only broadcast ads that do not use the phrase since mid-November.
Here’s one example of a commercial that ends with a “it’s free” (無料です) declaration:
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