EU authorities launch coordinated action against gaming companies over virtual currencies

European consumer protection authorities, coordinated by the European Commission, have launched coordinated actions against ten gaming companies to promote transparency and fairness. The initiative aims to ensure compliance with EU principles regarding in-game virtual currencies, specifically to protect users and minors.

The companies involved include Activision Blizzard UK Limited, Crytek GmbH, InnoGames GmbH, King.com Limited, Mojang AB, Plarium Europe S.à r.l., PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy, and Ubisoft EMEA SAS.

Led by the Italian Competition Authority in collaboration with Norwegian and Danish authorities, investigations are being conducted into Activision Blizzard UK and other Microsoft Group entities. The probe seeks to determine if there is a ‘widespread infringement’ of consumer protection rules affecting residents in three or more EU Member States. This follows national inquiries into titles such as Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty regarding transparency in virtual currency usage.

Concerns include the use of non-euro currencies for in-game purchases, manipulative interfaces known as ‘dark patterns,’ inadequate parental controls, and insufficient assistance for locked accounts, all of which can make total spending difficult to track for vulnerable consumers.