European consumer authorities have launched coordinated investigations into nine video game companies over concerns that their use of in-game virtual currencies may breach EU consumer protection rules.
The action is being carried out through the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, which brings together national consumer authorities across the EU and is coordinated by the European Commission.
The companies under investigation are Crytek, InnoGames, King.com Operations, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell and Ubisoft EMEA.
Games identified for further assessment include Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant, Clash of Clans and For Honor.
What the EU is Investigating
The authorities are examining whether the games comply with EU rules requiring clear and transparent pricing for in-game purchases.
The CPC Network says players should be able to see the real-world price of virtual currencies and digital items, while currency systems should not make costs unnecessarily difficult to understand. Games should also avoid pushing users into buying more virtual currency than they actually need.
Players must also receive clear information before making purchases and be told about their consumer rights, including the 14-day withdrawal right where applicable, including for unused virtual currency. Terms and conditions must also be fair and understandable.
The EU is paying particular attention to protections for children and other vulnerable users.
Talks With Gaming Industry Failed
The CPC Network opened discussions with the video game industry in 2025 over compliance with its principles for in-game virtual currencies.
The European Commission says those discussions did not produce satisfactory results, leading authorities to carry out a wider market review and identify games requiring further investigation.
Separately, the CPC Network is working with Activision Blizzard UK over Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. That action covers virtual-currency sales, personal-data collection, potentially addictive design, parental controls, marketing to children, pre-contract information and account blocking.
EU consumer protection chief Michael McGrath said game companies must ensure players, particularly children, are not exposed to harmful or unfair practices.
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