European consumer protection authorities have launched an enforcement sweep targeting nine online gaming companies over suspected breaches of consumer law regarding in-game purchases and virtual currencies. Coordinated by the European Commission’s Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, the investigation examines industry practices across popular titles including Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, and Clash of Clans.
European Consumer Authorities Target Nine Gaming Companies
The Consumer Protection Cooperation Network is investigating nine specific developers and publishers over how they structure in-game transactions and virtual currencies. The companies under formal scrutiny include Crytek GmbH, InnoGames GmbH, King.com Operations (Malta) Limited, Mojang AB, Plarium Europe S.à.r.l., PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy, and Ubisoft EMEA SAS.
The targeted titles span multiple genres and platforms, featuring games such as Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant, and For Honor alongside Minecraft and Candy Crush Saga. European regulators are examining whether these systems comply with consumer rights, particularly regarding transparency and financial fairness for players.
Scrutiny Focuses on Virtual Currency Transparency and Child Safeguards
The regulatory probe investigates several specific monetization mechanisms used across video games. Authorities are assessing whether consumers can easily understand the real-world financial cost of virtual currencies, or if currency exchange rates obscure true spending amounts. Investigators are also looking at whether games create pressure for users to buy excessive amounts of currency to progress or fully enjoy a game.
Additional aspects of the investigation focus on pre-contractual information disclosure, ensuring players receive clear details before completing a purchase. Regulators are checking compliance with rules requiring that consumers be informed of their right to withdraw from contracts within 14 days, including refunds for unused virtual currency. The probe also evaluates whether games incorporate appropriate safeguards to protect children and other vulnerable consumers.
“Millions of consumers across Europe play video games many of which are children,” said Geoffrey Gray, a commission member at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, noting that players should not be misled about costs or pressured into purchases. “This investigation is focussed on ensuring consumers are given clear information, treated fairly, and properly protected when spending money in games.”
Parallel Engagement Targets Activision Blizzard and Microsoft
Alongside the primary nine-company sweep, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network is separately engaging with Activision Blizzard UK Ltd, which operates as part of the Microsoft group. This parallel action centers on two specific titles: Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty.
The inquiry into Activision Blizzard addresses a set of digital consumer concerns. Regulators are examining the sale of virtual currencies within those titles alongside personal data collection practices, potentially addictive game designs, parental control efficacy, direct marketing directed at children, pre-contractual information availability, and policies regarding the blocking of user gaming accounts.
The current actions follow a series of talks initiated last year between the network and federations representing the global video games industry. Following those discussions, regulators conducted a large-scale market check that identified specific games requiring direct enforcement action. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission confirmed it will continue to coordinate with European partners to secure a safer and more transparent digital marketplace.
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