EU authorities investigate nine gaming companies over microtransactions

video game industry microtransactions virtual currency consumer protection EU investigation

The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, representing European regulatory authorities, has launched a coordinated investigation into nine major video game companies regarding potential breaches of consumer protection laws. The probe targets companies including Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell, and Ubisoft.

Authorities are examining whether these companies use deceptive practices related to in-game virtual currencies and microtransactions. Key areas of scrutiny include the transparency of real-world costs, whether players are pressured into excessive spending to progress, and whether companies provide clear information regarding the 14-day right of withdrawal for unused virtual currency. The investigation also aims to assess protections for vulnerable groups, particularly children, against addictive game designs and aggressive marketing.

Specific titles under review include Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Valorant, For Honor, and others. Additionally, Activision Blizzard UK is facing a separate investigation concerning Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile, focusing on virtual currency sales and personal data collection.

Entities

Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network · European Commission · European Union · Forbrukerrådet · Mojang · Riot Games · Ubisoft

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Activision Blizzard UK is facing a separate investigation regarding Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. www.kibrisgenctv.com · kibrisgazetesi.com · www.f5haber.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Investigations will evaluate if the real-world cost of in-game products and virtual currencies is clearly displayed. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com · www.f5haber.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The CPC network has launched coordinated investigations into nine video game companies to strengthen player rights. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com · www.f5haber.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The probe includes whether companies inform users of their 14-day right of withdrawal for unused virtual currency. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Nine companies are under investigation: Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell, and Ubisoft. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com · www.f5haber.com · stadt-bremerhaven.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Authorities are investigating if players are pressured into buying excessive virtual currency to progress in games. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Authorities are assessing measures to protect vulnerable groups, specifically children, from harmful practices. www.kibrisgenctv.com · kibrisgazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Games being scrutinized include Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Clash of Clans, Valorant, and For Honor. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Nine companies under investigation include Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell, and Ubisoft. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Authorities are evaluating measures to protect vulnerable groups, specifically children, from harmful gaming practices. www.kibrisgenctv.com · kibrisgazetesi.com · www.f5haber.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The probe includes whether companies inform consumers of their 14-day right of withdrawal for unused virtual currencies. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com · www.f5haber.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Authorities are investigating whether players are pressured into buying excessive virtual currency to progress in games. www.kibrisgenctv.com · extra.ie · kibrisgazetesi.com · www.f5haber.com