EU consumer authorities scrutinize nine game companies over in-game currency

European consumer authorities have launched coordinated action against nine video game companies over in-game currency practices and potential breaches of EU consumer law. Ireland's Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) announced the action on October 1. The action runs through the European Commission's Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national enforcers. The companies are Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell and Ubisoft. Games under review include Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Valorant, For Honor, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Mech Arena and Gardenscapes. The CCPC said the review covers whether games show prices in real money and whether virtual currency exchanges obscure item costs. The review also examines pressure to buy more currency than needed to progress and whether players receive clear information before checkout. Other areas include the 14-day withdrawal right, including for unused currency, and whether terms and conditions are fair and written in plain language. The review also examines safeguards for children and vulnerable players. In a separate track, the CPC Network is engaging with Microsoft-owned Activision Blizzard over Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty. That review also covers personal data collection, potentially addictive design, parental controls, marketing aimed at children and account blocking. Last year, the CPC Network opened talks with federations representing the global video game industry. Regulators judged the outcome unsatisfactory for consumers. The network then conducted a large-scale market check that flagged the games now under review. CCPC Commission Member Geoffrey Gray said consumers should be able to play without being misled about costs, pressured into purchases or left unclear about their rights. In March 2025, the CPC Network set out principles for in-game currencies and acted against Star Stable Entertainment, maker of a horse-riding game popular with children. EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath signaled that Brussels expects compliance. Companies that fail to address the concerns could face enforcement by national authorities. Authorities have disclosed no deadline or penalties.